Analyzing naturally occurring layered alumo(magnesium)silicates (asbestos) minerals, Pauling proposed in 1930 that the strain in compounds with asymmetric structure, like kaolinite (hallyosite), lends itself for folding of the layers. Once transmission electron microscopy gained sufficient resolution in 1950, chrysotile and hallyosites nanotubes were discovered fully confirming this early hypothesis. Following the discovery of carbon fullerene (C 60 ) by Kroto and Smalley and carbon nanotubes by Iijima, Tenne proposed a new mechanism for the formation of nanotubes from inorganic compounds with layered structure via seaming of their chemically reactive rims. Early on, nanotubes of WS 2 and subsequently MoS 2 , GaSe and BN were found experimentally and in silico and many others followed over the years. Here, different mechanisms for the formation of nanotubes from inorganic compounds with layered structure are analyzed with a few examples. Few potential applications of such nanotubes are briefly discussed, as well. Finally, several frontiers and scientific challenges in this field in the years ahead are presented. Nanotubes from various inorganic layered compounds, like WS 2 , were studied in recent years and different applications were proposed for them. In this “opinion” paper, several mechanisms for their formation are discussed. In the picture, the growth mechanism for nanotubes from misfit layered compounds are schematically represented with SEM picture attached to each stage. A combined TEM/ structural model picture of WS 2 (upper right) and LaS-TaS 2 nanotubes (lower left), are also shown. • Nanotubes of inorganic compounds with layered structure (2D materials) abound. • Multiwall nanotubes of WS 2 , MoS 2 and BN were synthesized in large amounts. • WS 2 nanotubes show great promise for applications as diverse as medical technology and defense. • The synthesis of asymmetric and singlewall inorganic NTs are among the most important frontiers. • This field is a fertile ground for collaboration among experimental and theory groups.