metamorphic
Serpentine
Antigorite/Chrysotile/Lizardite mixture (Mg,Fe)3Si2O5(OH)4
Hardness: 3-6 Mohs. Color: Various shades of green, yellowish, or black. Luster: Greasy, waxy, or silky. Crystal structure: Monoclinic. Cleavage: Poor/uneven. Specific gravity: 2.5-2.6.
- Hardness
- 3-6 Mohs
- Color
- Various shades of green, yellowish, or black
- Luster
- Greasy, waxy, or silky
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3-6 Mohs. Color: Various shades of green, yellowish, or black. Luster: Greasy, waxy, or silky. Crystal structure: Monoclinic. Cleavage: Poor/uneven. Specific gravity: 2.5-2.6.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the hydration of ultramafic rock (serpentinization) in the Earth's mantle or at oceanic crust boundaries. Most commonly associated with hydrothermal activity in subduction zones.
Uses & applications
Used as an ornamental stone for carvings, architectural veneer, jewelry (often as a jade simulant), and historically as a source of asbestos and magnesium.
Geological facts
Serpentine is the state rock of California. It is famous for its 'snake-skin' appearance and its ability to harbor unique plant life that has adapted to its nutrient-poor, heavy-metal rich soils.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its waxy luster, green mottled colors, and feel (often feels slightly slippery or greasy). Common in mountain belts like the Appalachians and the Alps.
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