metamorphic
Serpentinite
Serpentinite (composed largely of serpentine group minerals including antigorite, lizardite, and chrysotile)
Hardness: 3-6 on Mohs scale; Color: Greenish, yellowish-green to black; Luster: Greasy, waxy, or silky; Crystal system: Monoclinic; Cleavage: Poor; Texture: Fibrous or massive, feels slippery when wet.
- Hardness
- 3-6 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Greenish, yellowish-green to black
- Luster
- Greasy, waxy, or silky
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3-6 on Mohs scale; Color: Greenish, yellowish-green to black; Luster: Greasy, waxy, or silky; Crystal system: Monoclinic; Cleavage: Poor; Texture: Fibrous or massive, feels slippery when wet.
Formation & geological history
Forms from the metamorphic hydration of ultramafic rocks (like peridotite) from the Earth's mantle; often occurs along tectonic plate boundaries and in ophiolite complexes.
Uses & applications
Used as decorative architectural stone, source of asbestos (historically), and as a gemstone (variety known as 'New Jade').
Geological facts
Serpentinite is the official state rock of California. It often creates 'serpentine soils' that are high in heavy metals and low in nutrients, supporting unique plant species that grow nowhere else.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic 'serpentine' green color and greasy feel. It is commonly found in coastal ranges or mountain belts where ocean floor crust has been pushed onto land.
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