metamorphic

Serpentinite with carbonate veins and weathering rind

Serpentinite; chiefly serpentine-group minerals (antigorite, lizardite, chrysotile), with calcite/magnesite and accessory magnetite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically dark green to black, mottled and waxy to dull, Mohs hardness about 2.5–4; massive rather than visibly crystalline, with irregular fractures and locally pale carbonate-rich patches. The specimen appears heavily weathered and brecciated, with rounded alteration surfaces.

Identified September 10, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Serpentinite with carbonate veins and weathering rind
Scientific name: Serpentinite; chiefly serpentine-group minerals (antigorite, lizardite, chrysotile), with calcite/magnesite and accessory magnetite
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 10, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 for a common weathered specimen; $30–$150 for attractive polished or mineralogically verified 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 ultramafic mantle rocks such as peridotite hydrate during hydrothermal alteration, commonly along oceanic crust and subduction-zone faults. Serpentinization ranges from Precambrian to modern; the exact age is not determinable from the image.

Uses & applications

Used as decorative and dimension stone, carving material, aggregate, and historically as a source of asbestos-bearing chrysotile; attractive pieces are collected, though fibrous material should not be cut or powdered.

Geological facts

Serpentinite often contains magnetite and may be weakly magnetic; its formation helps transport water and influence subduction-zone chemistry. Pale veins and patches commonly represent calcite or magnesite.

Field identification & locations

Look for a green-black mottled, waxy surface, low hardness, slick feel, and possible magnetism; common localities include California, Italy, New Zealand, Canada, and ophiolite belts worldwide. Identification should be confirmed by hardness, acid testing for carbonate, and microscopy or XRD.