metamorphic

Serpentinite

Serpentinite; chiefly serpentine-group minerals (chrysotile, lizardite, antigorite), commonly with magnetite, brucite, and relict olivine/pyroxene

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically dark green to gray-green, waxy to greasy luster, massive or weakly fibrous, Mohs hardness about 2.5–4, and specific gravity roughly 2.5–2.6. The specimen’s mottled green-gray surface and rusty brown oxidation are characteristic, though image-only identification is provisional.

Identified August 11, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Serpentinite
Scientific name: Serpentinite; chiefly serpentine-group minerals (chrysotile, lizardite, antigorite), commonly with magnetite, brucite, and relict olivine/pyroxene
Category: metamorphic
Identified: August 11, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 for a common hand specimen; $30–$150 for attractive polished or collector-grade material.

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 mantle peridotite is hydrated and metamorphosed by water, commonly along oceanic crust, faults, and subduction zones; ages range from Precambrian to modern tectonic settings. It commonly occurs in ophiolites and metamorphic belts.

Uses & applications

Used as decorative stone, carvings, countertops, and historically for ornamental objects; asbestos-bearing varieties require caution and are unsuitable for cutting or dust-producing work.

Geological facts

Often weakly magnetic because of magnetite and may show a waxy, slick feel. Some serpentinite varieties contain chrysotile asbestos, which cannot be confirmed from the photograph.

Field identification & locations

Common in California, the Appalachians, the Alps, New Zealand, and ophiolite complexes worldwide; distinguish it from greenstone by its waxy texture, mottled pattern, and possible magnetic response. A hardness, streak, magnetism, and asbestos-safe laboratory test would improve identification.