metamorphic

Rounded greenish metamorphic rock, likely serpentinite

Serpentinite, composed mainly of serpentine-group minerals (antigorite, lizardite, or chrysotile)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically olive-green to gray, waxy to dull luster, fine-grained and massive; Mohs hardness about 2.5–4, with poor or absent visible cleavage and specific gravity roughly 2.5–2.6. The rounded surface suggests natural abrasion or tumbling.

Identified September 3, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Rounded greenish metamorphic rock, likely serpentinite
Scientific name: Serpentinite, composed mainly of serpentine-group minerals (antigorite, lizardite, or chrysotile)
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 3, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $2–$15 for a small common specimen; $20–$100+ if attractively patterned, polished, or provenance-specific.

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 hydrate during hydrothermal alteration, commonly along oceanic crust and tectonic plate boundaries; ages vary widely from Precambrian to modern tectonic settings.

Uses & applications

Used as decorative stone, carvings, countertops, and landscaping aggregate; attractive polished pieces may be collected, though fibrous chrysotile-bearing material should not be cut or crushed.

Geological facts

Serpentinite often shows mottled green coloration and may contain magnetite, producing a slight magnetic response. Exact identification from a photograph is provisional; similar-looking chlorite-rich rocks, greenstone, or weathered basalt are possible.

Field identification & locations

Look for greasy or waxy feel, green mottling, low hardness, and a pale streak; a steel nail may scratch it. Common localities include California, Italy, New Zealand, Canada, and major ophiolite belts.