metamorphic

Polished serpentine or serpentinite pebble

Serpentinite; principally serpentine-group minerals (antigorite, lizardite, chrysotile), Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Greenish-tan, mottled, waxy to dull luster with rounded polished surface; typically Mohs 2.5–4, poor cleavage, fine-grained and massive. The image is insufficient for certainty; similar appearance can occur in other polished green metamorphic stones.

Identified September 14, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Polished serpentine or serpentinite pebble
Scientific name: Serpentinite; principally serpentine-group minerals (antigorite, lizardite, chrysotile), Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 14, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 for a common polished pebble; $30–$150 for attractive larger carvings or distinctive patterned specimens.

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 ultramafic mantle rocks such as peridotite are hydrated during hydrothermal alteration, commonly in ancient oceanic crust and subduction zones. Ages range from modern alteration to Precambrian occurrences.

Uses & applications

Used as decorative stone, carvings, lapidary material, and occasionally architectural facing; historically used for ornaments and sculptures. Chrysotile-bearing material may pose asbestos hazards if cut or powdered.

Geological facts

Serpentinite often shows mottled “snake-skin” patterns and may contain magnetite, producing weak magnetism. It is California’s official state rock.

Field identification & locations

Test for a relatively soft, waxy surface, pale green-to-brown mottling, and possible magnetism; avoid dust-producing tests until asbestos content is excluded. Common in California, Italy, New Zealand, Canada, and ophiolite belts worldwide.