metamorphic
Serpentinite
Antigorite, Lizardite, and Chrysotile (Mg3Si2O5(OH)4)
Hardness: 3-6 Mohs. Color: Various shades of green, often mottled with black or yellow. Luster: Greasy, waxy, or silky. Crystal Structure: Monoclinic. Cleavage: Poor. Specific Gravity: 2.5-2.6.
- Hardness
- 3-6 Mohs
- Color
- Various shades of green, often mottled with black or yellow
- Luster
- Greasy, waxy, or silky
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3-6 Mohs. Color: Various shades of green, often mottled with black or yellow. Luster: Greasy, waxy, or silky. Crystal Structure: Monoclinic. Cleavage: Poor. Specific Gravity: 2.5-2.6.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the hydration of ultramafic rocks (like peridotite) from the Earth's mantle through a process called serpentinization, typically at tectonic plate boundaries or mid-ocean ridges.
Uses & applications
Used as an ornamental stone for architectural cladding, sculptures, and jewelry (often sold as 'New Jade'). Some varieties are used in industrial heat-resistant applications.
Geological facts
Serpentinite is the official state rock of California. It can contain small amounts of magnetite, making some specimens slightly magnetic. It is the primary rock type found in the Earth's mantle transition zones.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic 'snake-skin' appearance, greasy feel, and green-mottled color. Commonly found in ophiolite complexes and subduction zones in places like California, Italy, and Greece. Collectors should look for unique banding or translucency.
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