metamorphic
Serpentinite
Serpentinite (Mg, Fe, Ni, Al, Zn, Mn)2-3(Si, Al, Fe)2O5(OH)4
Hardness: 3-6 Mohs scale; Color: Dark green to yellowish-green with mottled patterns; Luster: Greasy, waxy, or silky; Crystal Structure: Monoclinic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 2.5-3.2.
- Hardness
- 3-6 Mohs scale
- Color
- Dark green to yellowish-green with mottled patterns
- Luster
- Greasy, waxy, or silky
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3-6 Mohs scale; Color: Dark green to yellowish-green with mottled patterns; Luster: Greasy, waxy, or silky; Crystal Structure: Monoclinic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 2.5-3.2.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the hydration and metamorphic transformation of ultramafic rocks from the Earth's mantle (peridotite) at tectonic plate boundaries/subduction zones.
Uses & applications
Used as decorative architectural stone, in jewelry (often as a jade simulant), and historically as a source of asbestos. High-quality varieties are popular for carving.
Geological facts
Serpentinite is the official State Rock of California. It often creates unique soil conditions that support rare, endemic plant species that can tolerate low calcium and high magnesium.
Field identification & locations
Look for a distinctive 'snake-skin' appearance with waxy luster and greenish hues. Frequently found in ophiolite complexes and mountain belts like the Coast Ranges or the Appalachians.
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