metamorphic

Chrysoprase-bearing serpentinite (probable)

Serpentinized ultramafic rock; chiefly serpentine-group minerals, with possible chrysoprase (nickel-bearing chalcedony) and magnesite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Pale green, mottled, and dull-to-waxy with a granular, locally fibrous texture; likely Mohs 2.5–4 for serpentine, while chalcedony patches may reach 6.5–7. Massive rather than distinctly crystalline, with no obvious cleavage.

Identified September 11, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Chrysoprase-bearing serpentinite (probable)
Scientific name: Serpentinized ultramafic rock; chiefly serpentine-group minerals, with possible chrysoprase (nickel-bearing chalcedony) and magnesite
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 11, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 as an ordinary rough specimen; attractive, confirmed chrysoprase-bearing material may bring $30–$150+.

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

Formed when mantle-derived peridotite was hydrated during low-temperature metamorphism (serpentinization); green silica- or nickel-rich alteration zones may produce chrysoprase. Exact age cannot be determined from the image; such rocks occur in ophiolite complexes of many ages.

Uses & applications

Used mainly as a lapidary and collector material; attractive green portions may be cut or polished, while ordinary serpentinite has limited decorative-stone use.

Geological facts

The pale green areas resemble chrysoprase or altered serpentine, but image-only identification is uncertain; a hardness, streak, acid, and specific-gravity test would help distinguish them.

Field identification & locations

Common in tectonic ophiolite belts, including California, Oregon, New Zealand, the Alps, and the Appalachians. Look for a waxy green matrix, dark veining, and locally translucent green silica; avoid assuming the tan spot is a separate mineral without testing.