metamorphic
Serpentine
Antigorite-Lizardite-Chrysotile (Mg3Si2O5(OH)4)
Hardness: 3-6 Mohs. Color: Olive green, yellow-green, or dark green. Luster: Waxy, greasy, or silky. Crystal Structure: Monoclinic. Cleavage: Poor. Specific Gravity: 2.5-2.6.
- Hardness
- 3-6 Mohs
- Color
- Olive green, yellow-green, or dark green
- Luster
- Waxy, greasy, or silky
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3-6 Mohs. Color: Olive green, yellow-green, or dark green. Luster: Waxy, greasy, or silky. Crystal Structure: Monoclinic. Cleavage: Poor. Specific Gravity: 2.5-2.6.
Formation & geological history
Forms through serpentinization, the hydrothermal alteration of ultramafic igneous rocks like peridotite or pyroxenite, often at tectonic plate boundaries.
Uses & applications
Used for ornamental carvings, architectural stone (verdes antique), sources of magnesium, and historically as a source of asbestos.
Geological facts
Serpentine is the state rock of California; it is often associated with unique ecosystems because the soil derived from it is high in heavy metals and low in nutrients.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic 'snake-skin' green color, waxy feel, and soapy texture. Commonly found in ophiolite complexes and metamorphic belts globally.
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