Chrysotile, Arizona facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chrysotile, Arizona
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Populated place
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 Chrysotile, Arizona
Location in Arizona
Chrysotile, Arizona
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| County | Gila |
| Elevation | 4,678 ft (1,426 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain (MST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (MST) |
| Area code(s) | 928 |
| FIPS code | 04-13175 |
| GNIS feature ID | 24368 |
Chrysotile is a place in Gila County, Arizona. It used to be a busy mining town. Today, it is mostly known as a ghost town.
Chrysotile is located about 4,678 feet (1,426 m) above sea level. This means it is quite high up in the mountains.
Contents
What is a Ghost Town?
A ghost town is a place where most people have left. It often happens when the main reason for the town's existence disappears. For Chrysotile, that reason was mining.
Why Towns Become Ghost Towns
Towns like Chrysotile become ghost towns for a few reasons:
- Mines close: If the valuable minerals run out, or it becomes too expensive to dig them up, the mines shut down.
- Jobs disappear: When mines close, there are no jobs left for the miners and other workers.
- People move away: With no jobs, families have to move to find work elsewhere.
- Buildings are left empty: Homes, stores, and schools become empty and fall apart over time.
Chrysotile's Mining Past
Chrysotile was once a lively place because of its mines. Miners came here to dig for a mineral called chrysotile. This mineral is a type of asbestos.
What is Chrysotile (Mineral)?
Chrysotile is a natural mineral. It was used in many products because it was strong and resistant to heat. However, we now know it can be harmful to health. Because of this, its use has greatly decreased. This is one reason why towns like Chrysotile became less important.
Life in a Mining Town
Life in a mining town like Chrysotile was often tough. Miners worked long hours underground. They faced dangers like cave-ins and dust.
Community Life
Even with hard work, mining towns had strong communities.
- Families lived close together.
- They often had small schools and general stores.
- People relied on each other for support.
Chrysotile Today
Today, Chrysotile is a quiet place. It reminds us of Arizona's rich mining history. Visitors might find old foundations or leftover mining equipment. These are clues to what the town was once like.
Exploring Ghost Towns Safely
If you ever visit a ghost town, remember to be safe:
- Always go with an adult.
- Stay on marked paths.
- Do not enter old buildings, as they can be unsafe.
- Do not take anything from the site. Leave it for others to see.
