metamorphic

Likely serpentinite (green serpentine rock)

Serpentinite, composed chiefly of serpentine-group minerals (antigorite, lizardite, and/or chrysotile)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Pale olive-green, mottled, and dull to waxy; serpentine minerals have Mohs hardness about 2.5–5.5 and a monoclinic or trigonal crystal structure. The photo does not show enough detail for a definitive identification.

Identified September 30, 2026More metamorphic →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when water alters ultramafic rocks, commonly at seafloor or subduction-zone settings; serpentinite occurs in rocks ranging from ancient to geologically young.

Uses & applications

Used as decorative stone, carvings, and occasionally dimension stone; softer pieces are sometimes polished for display.

Geological facts

Serpentinite is a rock, not a single mineral, and its mineral proportions vary. Some varieties contain fibrous chrysotile asbestos, so avoid cutting or grinding an unidentified specimen.

Field identification & locations

A green, waxy feel and mottled appearance support serpentine, but similar-looking rocks include greenstone and talc-rich rock; hardness and streak tests can help distinguish them. Found in ultramafic-rock belts worldwide.