mineral

Green serpentine or nephrite jade fragment

Serpentine-group minerals, commonly antigorite/chrysotile; possibly nephrite (interlocking tremolite-actinolite)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small, irregular, polished-looking green specimen with mottled dark and pale areas and a waxy to vitreous luster. Serpentine hardness is about 2.5–5.5 Mohs; nephrite is tougher and about 6–6.5; identification requires hardness, density, and microscopy tests.

Identified September 21, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Green serpentine or nephrite jade fragment
Scientific name: Serpentine-group minerals, commonly antigorite/chrysotile; possibly nephrite (interlocking tremolite-actinolite)
Category: mineral
Identified: September 21, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $1–$10 for a common serpentine fragment; roughly $10–$100+ if confirmed as attractive, high-quality nephrite jade.

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 hydration during metamorphism, commonly in oceanic crust and subduction zones; nephrite forms by metamorphic alteration of magnesium-rich rocks. Specimen age cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Serpentine is used as ornamental stone, carvings, and occasionally architectural material; nephrite is valued for jewelry and durable carvings. This appears to be a small tumbled or shaped piece.

Geological facts

The vivid green color may result from chromium- or iron-bearing serpentine minerals. Nephrite and serpentine can look similar, but nephrite is generally denser, tougher, and less easily scratched.

Field identification & locations

Common sources include California, New Zealand, Canada, Russia, China, and Afghanistan. Check streak, hardness, specific gravity, translucency, and fibrous texture; visual identification alone is inconclusive.