
metamorphic
Dark green-black stone, possibly serpentinite
Serpentinite (predominantly serpentine-group minerals; identification from photo is uncertain)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectDark olive to black, wet-looking luster, massive and irregular with no visible crystals. Serpentine minerals are typically Mohs 2.5–5 and have a platy or fibrous structure; hardness and composition cannot be confirmed from the image.
Identified More metamorphic →
Explore Dark green-black stone, possibly serpentinite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Dark olive to black, wet-looking luster, massive and irregular with no visible crystals. Serpentine minerals are typically Mohs 2.5–5 and have a platy or fibrous structure; hardness and composition cannot be confirmed from the image.
Formation & geological history
Serpentinite forms when water alters ultramafic rocks, commonly in oceanic crust and mountain-building zones. Such alteration spans geological ages; the specimen’s age and locality are unknown.
Uses & applications
Serpentinite is used as decorative stone, carvings, and occasionally building or ornamental material; this unverified piece has no clear gem-grade features.
Geological facts
Dark, wet surfaces can make many unrelated rocks look similar, including basalt and iron-rich rocks.
Field identification & locations
A field check would examine fresh surfaces, streak, hardness, and reaction to dilute acid; professional testing is needed for a reliable ID. Serpentinite occurs in many mountain belts and ophiolite complexes.
More like this
Other metamorphic specimens
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Amphibolite
Amphibolite
metamorphic
Rhodonite
Manganese Silicate (Mn, Fe, Mg, Ca)SiO3
mineral
Rhodonite
(Mn,Fe,Mg,Ca)SiO3
mineral
Greenschist
Greenschist (containing Chlorite, Actinolite, and Epidote)
metamorphic
Garnet
Garnet group: X3Y2(SiO4)3 (commonly Almandine-Pyrope series)
mineral