mineral

Serpentine (dark specimen) with probable aquamarine/beryl fragment

Serpentine-group minerals, commonly antigorite or lizardite; pale fragment possibly beryl, Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

The dark piece is green-black, fine-grained, dull to waxy, and likely Mohs 2.5–4; serpentine commonly has imperfect cleavage and specific gravity 2.5–2.6. The pale piece is translucent blue-green with a vitreous luster, likely Mohs 7.5–8 if beryl, though its appearance could also fit calcite or altered feldspar.

Identified August 13, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Serpentine (dark specimen) with probable aquamarine/beryl fragment
Scientific name: Serpentine-group minerals, commonly antigorite or lizardite; pale fragment possibly beryl, Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈
Category: mineral
Identified: August 13, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 for ordinary rough specimens; attractive crystalline or gem-quality material may range from $50 to several hundred dollars.

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

Serpentine forms when ultramafic mantle rocks hydrate during metamorphism, commonly in ophiolite belts; formation ages vary widely. Blue-green beryl forms in evolved granitic pegmatites and hydrothermal veins, generally during late-stage crystallization of granitic systems.

Uses & applications

Serpentine is used decoratively, historically for carvings and building stone; some varieties are collected. Blue-green beryl may be cut as a gemstone, while non-gem material is primarily a mineral specimen.

Geological facts

The pale fragment cannot be identified confidently from the photograph alone; hardness and acid testing would be useful. Serpentine is commonly associated with chromite, magnetite, talc, and asbestos-form minerals.

Field identification & locations

Look for a greasy or waxy feel, dark green color, and association with ultramafic rocks for serpentine; beryl typically forms elongated hexagonal crystals and scratches glass. Common sources include California, Italy, New Zealand, Brazil, and Afghanistan.