metamorphic

Likely serpentinite (serpentine-rich rock)

Serpentinite, composed mainly of serpentine-group minerals (lizardite, antigorite, or chrysotile); identification from the photo is tentative.

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Green to gray-green with rusty-brown weathering and a mottled, somewhat waxy appearance; serpentine has Mohs hardness 2.5–5.5 and a monoclinic or triclinic crystal structure. The specimen’s rough, fractured surface prevents reliable assessment of luster or cleavage.

Identified October 13, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Likely serpentinite (serpentine-rich rock)
Scientific name: Serpentinite, composed mainly of serpentine-group minerals (lizardite, antigorite, or chrysotile); identification from the photo is tentative.
Category: metamorphic
Identified: October 13, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $1–$20 for a small, common rough specimen; polished or collectible pieces may cost more.

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 water alters ultramafic rocks such as peridotite, commonly in oceanic crust and subduction zones; alteration may occur across a wide range of geological ages.

Uses & applications

Decorative stone and carving material; polished varieties are used for ornamental objects and occasionally jewelry. Chrysotile-bearing serpentinite may contain asbestos fibers and should not be cut or ground without testing and proper controls.

Geological facts

Serpentinite is a rock rather than a single mineral, and its appearance varies with the minerals and alteration products present.

Field identification & locations

Look for green color, mottled texture, and a relatively soft, sometimes slick or waxy feel; common in ophiolites and other ultramafic terrains. A definitive identification requires hardness and mineral tests.