metamorphic
Serpentine
Serpentine group ((Mg, Fe)3Si2O5(OH)4)
Hardness: 3–6 (variable), Color: dark green to light yellowish-green, Luster: waxy or greasy, Crystal Structure: Monoclinic, Cleavage: poor, SG: 2.5–2.6
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3–6 (variable), Color: dark green to light yellowish-green, Luster: waxy or greasy, Crystal Structure: Monoclinic, Cleavage: poor, SG: 2.5–2.6
Formation & geological history
Formed through serpentinization, the low-temperature metamorphic transformation of ultramafic rocks from the Earth's mantle, typically in the presence of water at tectonic plate boundaries.
Uses & applications
Used as decorative stone, in jewelry (cabochons), as a source of magnesium, and historically as fireproof insulation (asbestos varieties).
Geological facts
Serpentine is the official state rock of California. It often feels slippery or 'soapy' to the touch, which is how it earned its name, resembling the scales of a serpent.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic 'snake-skin' appearance, waxy luster, and dark green mottling. Often found in ophiolite complexes and fault zones.
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