metamorphic

Polished serpentine (often sold as “new jade” or lemon serpentine)

Serpentine-group minerals, chiefly antigorite and lizardite; approximate formula Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness 2.5–4; pale yellow-green to olive-green, mottled and waxy with a greasy or subvitreous luster. Typically massive and fine-grained, with no visible crystal cleavage; specific gravity about 2.5–2.6.

Identified September 15, 2026More metamorphic →

Explore Polished serpentine (often sold as “new jade” or lemon serpentine) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

At a glance

Common name: Polished serpentine (often sold as “new jade” or lemon serpentine)
Scientific name: Serpentine-group minerals, chiefly antigorite and lizardite; approximate formula Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 15, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 for a common polished piece; $30–$100+ for unusually attractive, large, or expertly carved material.

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

Formed when ultramafic mantle rocks such as peridotite hydrate during low-temperature metamorphism, commonly in oceanic crust and subduction zones. Serpentinization ranges from Paleozoic to modern geological settings.

Uses & applications

Used for carvings, cabochons, beads, ornamental stone, and architectural facing; attractive pieces have modest lapidary value.

Geological facts

“New jade” is a trade name and is not true jadeite or nephrite. Some serpentine contains chrysotile asbestos, so avoid cutting or generating dust unless tested and handled safely.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its soft, waxy feel, green-yellow mottling, rounded polish, and ability to scratch with a steel knife; it is commonly found in serpentinite belts worldwide, including California, Italy, New Zealand, and Canada.