metamorphic
Polished dark-green stone, possibly jade or serpentine
Indeterminate from the photo; candidates include jadeite (NaAlSi₂O₆), nephrite (Ca₂(Mg,Fe)₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂), or serpentine-group minerals
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectSmooth, rounded, glossy dark olive-green surface with no visible crystals or cleavage. Hardness varies by candidate: jadeite 6.5–7, nephrite 6–6.5, serpentine about 2.5–5.5 Mohs.
Identified More metamorphic →
Explore Polished dark-green stone, possibly jade or serpentine in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Smooth, rounded, glossy dark olive-green surface with no visible crystals or cleavage. Hardness varies by candidate: jadeite 6.5–7, nephrite 6–6.5, serpentine about 2.5–5.5 Mohs.
Formation & geological history
If jade or serpentine, formed through metamorphic alteration in tectonically active settings; the specimen’s geological age and exact origin cannot be determined visually.
Uses & applications
Polished stones are used for ornaments, carvings, jewelry, and collecting; jade is also valued for durable, finely worked objects.
Geological facts
Color and polish alone cannot reliably distinguish jade from serpentine or other green stones; hardness and mineralogical testing are needed.
Field identification & locations
Look for a dense, tough feel and fine, interlocking texture; jade commonly occurs in metamorphic belts, while serpentine is associated with altered ultramafic rocks. Identification requires testing or laboratory analysis.
More like this
