metamorphic
Green Granite / Verd Antique
Serpentinite / Metasomatized Peridotite
Hardness varies between 3 and 6 on the Mohs scale depending on the dominant mineral content; colors range from dark green to mottled light green with white quartz or calcite veins; vitreous to greasy luster; massive or fibrous crystal structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness varies between 3 and 6 on the Mohs scale depending on the dominant mineral content; colors range from dark green to mottled light green with white quartz or calcite veins; vitreous to greasy luster; massive or fibrous crystal structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the hydrothermal alteration of ultramafic rocks (such as peridotite or dunite) deep within the Earth's crust, typically through a process known as serpentinization.
Uses & applications
Widely used as dimensional stone for architectural cladding, interior countertops, tiles, and decorative ornamental carvings.
Geological facts
Many commercial dimensional stones sold as 'green granite' are actually serpentinite or altered peridotite rather than true granites, possessing a much smoother feel and lower hardness than quartz-rich igneous granites.
Field identification & locations
Identifiable by its characteristic mottled green coloration, swirling white or light-colored veins, and a softness that generally allows it to be scratched by a steel knife, distinguishing it from harder igneous rocks.
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