metamorphic
Polished/tumbled serpentine
Serpentine-group minerals, chiefly antigorite, lizardite, or chrysotile; approximate formula Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectTypically olive to brown-green with mottled or veined patterns and a waxy, greasy luster; Mohs hardness 2.5–4, non-cleavable to weakly cleavable, fine-grained and compact. This wet-looking polish is characteristic of carved or tumbled serpentine.
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Physical properties
Typically olive to brown-green with mottled or veined patterns and a waxy, greasy luster; Mohs hardness 2.5–4, non-cleavable to weakly cleavable, fine-grained and compact. This wet-looking polish is characteristic of carved or tumbled serpentine.
Formation & geological history
Forms when ultramafic rocks such as peridotite undergo low-temperature hydrothermal alteration and hydration, commonly in ancient oceanic crust and subduction-related settings. Its age varies widely, from Precambrian to recent tectonic alteration.
Uses & applications
Used for ornamental carvings, beads, cabochons, tiles, and decorative stone; historically used as a jade substitute. It is generally less valuable than jade, with value determined by color, pattern, translucency, and workmanship.
Geological facts
Serpentine is a mineral group rather than one single mineral species, and some varieties contain fibrous chrysotile asbestos. Finished objects should not be cut, drilled, or ground without proper dust control.
Field identification & locations
Identify it by its soft, waxy feel, olive-brown mottling, and ability to scratch relatively easily with a steel knife; it is commonly found in California, New Zealand, Italy, Canada, and tectonic ultramafic belts worldwide. A photograph cannot reliably distinguish it from jade or other greenstones.
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