metamorphic

Likely green-gray serpentine-bearing rock

Serpentinite, dominated by serpentine-group minerals (antigorite/lizardite; Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄), possibly with chlorite or talc

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark green-gray, mottled, fine-grained and dull to waxy; typically Mohs 2.5–4, with poor cleavage and uneven fracture. The photograph is insufficient for confident identification; texture may also fit chlorite- or talc-rich metamorphic rock.

Identified September 7, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Likely green-gray serpentine-bearing rock
Scientific name: Serpentinite, dominated by serpentine-group minerals (antigorite/lizardite; Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄), possibly with chlorite or talc
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 7, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $2–$20 for a common hand specimen; $20–$100+ for polished or unusually attractive pieces.

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

Forms when ultramafic mantle rocks such as peridotite hydrate during low-temperature metamorphism and hydrothermal alteration, commonly in ophiolites and subduction zones. Formation ages vary widely from Precambrian to modern tectonic settings.

Uses & applications

Used as decorative stone, carvings, countertops, and sometimes aggregate; attractive varieties are collected, though fibrous asbestos-bearing material should not be cut or powdered.

Geological facts

Serpentinite often has a smooth, greasy or waxy feel and may contain magnetite, giving it a dark color or weak magnetic response.

Field identification & locations

Check for a waxy feel, low hardness, green veining, and reaction to a steel knife; talc-rich pieces scratch very easily. Common localities include California, Italy, New Zealand, Canada, and Japan.