metamorphic
Serpentine
Serpentine group (Mg,Fe,Ni,Al,Zn,Mn)2-3(Si,Al,Fe)2O5(OH)4
Hardness: 3-6 Mohs; Color: Lime green, olive, yellowish; Luster: Greasy, waxy, or silky; Crystal Structure: Monoclinic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 2.5-3.2
- Hardness
- 3-6 Mohs
- Color
- Lime green, olive, yellowish
- Luster
- Greasy, waxy, or silky
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3-6 Mohs; Color: Lime green, olive, yellowish; Luster: Greasy, waxy, or silky; Crystal Structure: Monoclinic; Cleavage: Poor; Specific Gravity: 2.5-3.2
Formation & geological history
Formed through the hydrothermal alteration of ultramafic rocks (serpentinization) in the Earth's mantle and oceanic crust, typically at convergent plate boundaries.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in jewelry as cabochons, decorative carvings, architectural stone (verde antique), and historically as a source of asbestos.
Geological facts
Serpentine is the official state rock of California. It often has a mottled appearance resembling snakeskin, which is how it earned its name.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its distinctive waxy luster, green color, and relative softness (can often be scratched by a copper penny or steel knife). Commonly found in ophiolitic belts.
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