metamorphic

Dark green metamorphic rock, likely serpentinite

Serpentinite, chiefly serpentine-group minerals (antigorite/lizardite/chrysotile), commonly with magnetite and chromite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically dark green to gray-green, waxy to dull luster, fine-grained and massive; Mohs hardness about 2.5–4, with no obvious cleavage. The specimen appears weathered and may contain darker granular accessory minerals.

Identified September 3, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Dark green metamorphic rock, likely serpentinite
Scientific name: Serpentinite, chiefly serpentine-group minerals (antigorite/lizardite/chrysotile), commonly with magnetite and chromite
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 3, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 for a common hand specimen; $30–$100+ for polished, patterned, or locality-labeled examples.

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 undergo hydration and metamorphism, often along tectonic plate boundaries and subduction zones. Serpentinization commonly occurred from the Precambrian to the present, depending on the locality.

Uses & applications

Used as decorative stone, carving material, aggregate, and historically as a source of asbestos-bearing material; attractive pieces are collected, though chrysotile content requires caution.

Geological facts

Serpentinite can feel unusually smooth or greasy and may be weakly magnetic because of magnetite. It is the state rock of California and occurs in many ophiolite complexes.

Field identification & locations

Common in California, the Appalachians, New Zealand, Italy, Greece, and Japan. Confirm with a hardness test, green streakless powder, waxy texture, and possible magnetism; visual identification alone is tentative.