mineral

Polished serpentine or green jasper pebble

Likely serpentine-group silicate, chiefly antigorite/lizardite; possibly iron-rich jasper

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Olive-green to brown, mottled, waxy-to-dull luster, rounded and polished; hardness commonly 2.5–4 for serpentine or 6.5–7 for jasper. No visible cleavage or crystal faces; specific gravity is approximately 2.5–2.8.

Identified August 12, 2026More mineral →

Explore Polished serpentine or green jasper pebble in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Serpentine forms when ultramafic mantle rocks are hydrated during hydrothermal alteration; jasper forms from silica-rich fluids. Serpentine commonly occurs in Paleozoic–Mesozoic ophiolites and metamorphic belts, while jasper spans many geological ages.

Uses & applications

Used as a decorative carving or lapidary stone, tumbled pebble, ornamental object, and occasionally for jewelry. Serpentine has also been used historically for architectural stone.

Geological facts

The image alone cannot reliably distinguish serpentine from green jasper, nephrite, or another polished green stone; a hardness, streak, and specific-gravity test would help.

Field identification & locations

Look for olive mottling and a soapy/waxy feel in serpentine; jasper is usually more opaque, dense, and strongly resists scratching. Common sources include California, Italy, New Zealand, Canada, and India.