mineral

Carved serpentine pendant

Serpentine-group minerals, commonly antigorite/lizardite (Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄), possibly mixed with chlorite or other inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Green-gray, mottled and waxy to vitreous, with dark veining and polished carved surfaces; typically Mohs 2.5–4, massive rather than visibly crystalline, with poor cleavage and specific gravity about 2.5–2.6. The pendant’s carving and cord are human-made, but the stone is geological material.

Identified August 27, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Serpentine forms when ultramafic mantle rocks such as peridotite undergo hydration (serpentinization), commonly in ancient oceanic crust and subduction zones; age depends on locality and may range from Paleozoic to modern tectonic settings.

Uses & applications

Used for carvings, beads, ornamental objects, and occasionally low-cost jewelry; it is generally unsuitable for high-abrasion applications. Value is mainly decorative and depends on translucency, pattern, craftsmanship, and provenance.

Geological facts

Serpentine is a mineral group rather than one single mineral species; attractive dark inclusions may be magnetite, chromite, or other alteration minerals.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its relatively soft, smooth, waxy feel, green mottling, and resistance to dilute acid; it can be scratched by a steel knife. Common sources include California, New Zealand, Italy, Canada, and Afghanistan; exact species cannot be confirmed visually.