mineral

Dark green mineral specimen, possibly serpentine or epidote

Tentatively serpentine-group mineral, Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄, or epidote, Ca₂(Al,Fe)₃Si₃O₁₂(OH)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Irregular, opaque dark-green fragment with dull to waxy luster and no obvious crystal faces; estimated Mohs hardness 3–6 depending on identification. Fine-grained texture and brown weathering are visible, but cleavage and specific gravity cannot be determined from the image.

Identified September 17, 2026More mineral →

Explore Dark green mineral specimen, possibly serpentine or epidote 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: Dark green mineral specimen, possibly serpentine or epidote
Scientific name: Tentatively serpentine-group mineral, Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄, or epidote, Ca₂(Al,Fe)₃Si₃O₁₂(OH)
Category: mineral
Identified: September 17, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $1–$10 as an unidentified rough fragment; approximately $10–$50 if confirmed as attractive serpentine or epidote, depending on size and quality.

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

Serpentine forms when ultramafic rocks undergo hydrothermal alteration, commonly during oceanic crust formation and mountain-building; epidote forms in low- to medium-grade metamorphic and hydrothermal environments. Age is indeterminate from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Serpentine is used as ornamental stone, carving material, and occasionally a source of magnesium or asbestos-related minerals; epidote is mainly a collector mineral and sometimes a gemstone. This rough fragment has little construction use.

Geological facts

The dark green color is compatible with several minerals, including serpentine, epidote, chlorite, nephrite, or altered copper minerals. Reliable identification requires hardness, streak, density, and ideally chemical or microscopic testing.

Field identification & locations

Commonly found in metamorphosed ultramafic rocks, ophiolites, and hydrothermal veins worldwide. Check for a waxy feel and low hardness for serpentine; epidote is typically harder and may show pistachio-green prismatic crystals.