metamorphic
Polished green serpentine (often sold as “new jade”)
Serpentinite, composed chiefly of serpentine-group minerals such as antigorite, lizardite, or chrysotile; exact identification requires testing.
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectOpaque to slightly translucent dark-green stone with mottling and a waxy-to-greasy luster; serpentine minerals have Mohs hardness about 2.5–5.5 and generally lack prominent cleavage. The pictured piece is polished and egg-shaped; specific gravity varies by composition.
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Physical properties
Opaque to slightly translucent dark-green stone with mottling and a waxy-to-greasy luster; serpentine minerals have Mohs hardness about 2.5–5.5 and generally lack prominent cleavage. The pictured piece is polished and egg-shaped; specific gravity varies by composition.
Formation & geological history
Forms when water chemically alters magnesium-rich ultramafic rocks, commonly in oceanic crust and along tectonic plate boundaries. Serpentinite occurs in rocks of many ages.
Uses & applications
Carved ornaments, beads, decorative objects, and occasionally architectural stone; softer varieties are valued for carving rather than durable jewelry.
Geological facts
“New jade” is a commercial name, not true jadeite or nephrite. Serpentine is a mineral group, so composition and properties vary substantially.
Field identification & locations
Green color, mottling, and a relatively soft, waxy feel can suggest serpentine, but it can resemble jade; hardness, density, and gemological tests help distinguish them. Found in serpentinite belts worldwide, including Italy, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States.
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