metamorphic

Serpentine-rich serpentinite

Serpentinite, dominated by serpentine-group minerals (antigorite, lizardite, or chrysotile), commonly with magnetite and chromite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically green to yellow-green, mottled, waxy to greasy luster, Mohs hardness about 2.5–4, and massive texture without obvious cleavage; specific gravity commonly 2.5–2.6. The specimen’s dark green, yellow, brown, and black veining is consistent with serpentinized ultramafic rock.

Identified September 13, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Serpentine-rich serpentinite
Scientific name: Serpentinite, dominated by serpentine-group minerals (antigorite, lizardite, or chrysotile), commonly with magnetite and chromite
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 13, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 for a common rough specimen; $30–$150+ for attractive polished or locality-documented pieces.

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 by seawater or circulating fluids, commonly in ophiolites and subduction zones. Serpentinization can occur from the Precambrian to the present, so exact age requires locality data.

Uses & applications

Used as ornamental stone, carving material, countertops, and historically as “verde antique”; some varieties are collector specimens. Chrysotile-bearing material should not be cut, drilled, or abraded because of asbestos-fiber hazards.

Geological facts

Often contains magnetite, giving some pieces weak magnetism, and may host chromite, talc, nickel, and occasionally platinum-group minerals.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its green mottled color, waxy feel, low hardness, and association with dark ultramafic minerals; common in California, the Appalachians, New Zealand, Italy, and other ophiolite belts. A definitive identification requires hardness, streak, magnetism, and ideally thin-section or X-ray testing.