metamorphic

Serpentine (rough serpentine-rich rock)

Serpentine-group minerals, chiefly antigorite and/or lizardite; composition broadly Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Olive-green to yellow-green, mottled and veined, with a dull to waxy luster and massive texture. Serpentine minerals are typically Mohs 2.5–5 and monoclinic or pseudo-hexagonal; the specimen’s exact hardness and mineral mix cannot be confirmed visually.

Identified October 4, 2026More metamorphic →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when water alters magnesium-rich ultramafic rocks, commonly at tectonic plate boundaries; serpentinization can occur from the ocean floor to mountain belts and spans a wide range of geological ages.

Uses & applications

Serpentine rock is used as decorative stone and in carvings; selected, attractive material is polished for jewelry and ornaments.

Geological facts

“Serpentine” names a mineral group as well as rocks rich in those minerals; visually similar green rocks can include other minerals, so identification may require testing.

Field identification & locations

The waxy-looking green color, mottling, and massive, fractured texture are suggestive, but not diagnostic. Serpentinite occurs in ultramafic belts worldwide, including California, Italy, New Zealand, and parts of Canada.