metamorphic

Serpentine-rich greenstone (probable serpentinized ultramafic rock)

Serpentinite; chiefly serpentine-group minerals (Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄), commonly with magnetite, chromite, and relict olivine/pyroxene

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically mottled olive-green to yellow-green, with a waxy to dull luster and fine-grained, massive texture; Mohs hardness about 2.5–4, no obvious cleavage, and specific gravity approximately 2.5–2.6. The image is insufficient for definitive mineral identification.

Identified September 7, 2026More metamorphic →

Explore Serpentine-rich greenstone (probable serpentinized ultramafic rock) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

At a glance

Common name: Serpentine-rich greenstone (probable serpentinized ultramafic rock)
Scientific name: Serpentinite; chiefly serpentine-group minerals (Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄), commonly with magnetite, chromite, and relict olivine/pyroxene
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 7, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

$2–$15 for a small common rough specimen; $20–$100+ for attractive polished or museum-quality material.

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 mantle-derived peridotite is hydrated and metamorphosed during tectonic activity, commonly along faults and subduction zones. Serpentinization can occur from the Precambrian to the present.

Uses & applications

Used as decorative facing stone, carvings, and historically as a source of asbestos-bearing serpentine; attractive pieces are collected, but fibrous varieties should not be cut or abraded.

Geological facts

Often shows a slick, waxy feel and may contain dark magnetite grains, making some specimens weakly magnetic. Avoid inhaling dust because some serpentinite can contain chrysotile asbestos.

Field identification & locations

Common in ophiolites and mountain belts, including California, Italy, New Zealand, and Canada. Confirm with hardness, streak, magnetism, and ideally Raman/XRD testing; the specimen may also be greenstone or altered copper-bearing rock.