I wouldn't touch the stuff, but I am interested just 'how much' is the asking price per sheet these days? I find it hard to believe there are sub contractors trading asbestos under the table.
I can't think of any practical use for asbestos that doesn't have a safe alternative - you just can't cut the stuff without risking a slow painful death in years to come. Unless this thread is meant to be the synopsis of a troll.
One of my previous jobs involved the erradication of asbestos in Victoria. My advice for what it is worth, is keep away from it as far as possible! On a side note, it is one of the prettiest things I have ever seen under a microscope - certainly worthy of being hung in an art gallery.