metamorphic
Serpentinite
Serpentinite (Hydrated magnesium iron phyllosilicate)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 3-5 on the Mohs scale. Colors range from light green to dark green, sometimes brownish or grayish, with a greasy or waxy luster.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 3-5 on the Mohs scale. Colors range from light green to dark green, sometimes brownish or grayish, with a greasy or waxy luster.
Formation & geological history
Formed through serpentinization, a low-temperature metamorphic process involving the hydration and oxidation of ultramafic rocks from the Earth's mantle.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as a decorative building stone, for carved ornaments, and as a source of asbestos historically.
Geological facts
Serpentinite is the state rock of California and often hosts unique plant communities adapted to its heavy metal-rich soils.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its characteristic mottled green color, waxy feel, and softness compared to peridotite. Found in orogenic belts worldwide.
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