metamorphic

Banded serpentine (likely antigorite-rich serpentinite)

Serpentinite; chiefly serpentine-group minerals, Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄, with possible magnesite/talc

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Pale green to dark green, waxy to pearly luster, white-green banding, and irregular fracture; serpentine hardness is about 2.5–4 Mohs. The specimen appears fine-grained and massive rather than visibly crystalline; specific gravity is typically 2.5–2.7.

Identified September 2, 2026More metamorphic →

Explore Banded serpentine (likely antigorite-rich serpentinite) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

At a glance

Common name: Banded serpentine (likely antigorite-rich serpentinite)
Scientific name: Serpentinite; chiefly serpentine-group minerals, Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄, with possible magnesite/talc
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 2, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $2–$15 for a common hand specimen; $20–$100+ for unusually patterned, polished, or provenance-rich material.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when ultramafic mantle rocks such as peridotite are hydrated by fluids during seafloor alteration or tectonic metamorphism. It may range from Precambrian to modern tectonic settings; age cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used as ornamental stone, carvings, countertops, and historically as a jade substitute; some serpentinite is also quarried for aggregate. Attractive small specimens generally have modest collector value.

Geological facts

The green color results mainly from serpentine minerals, and the banding may preserve original veins or deformation fabrics. Some serpentinites contain asbestos-form minerals, so avoid cutting, sanding, or generating dust.

Field identification & locations

Likely serpentine if it feels relatively soft, has a waxy surface, and can be scratched by a steel knife; it commonly occurs in ophiolites and mountain belts. A definitive identification requires hardness, streak, acid, and thin-section or analytical testing.