metamorphic

Tumbled green serpentine (likely nephrite jade imitation/alternative)

Serpentine-group minerals, chiefly antigorite and lizardite; composition approximately Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark olive-green, semi-translucent edges, waxy to greasy luster, massive rather than visibly crystalline, with conchoidal-to-uneven fractures; Mohs hardness about 2.5–4, specific gravity roughly 2.5–2.6. The rectangular form and rounded edges indicate cutting and polishing.

Identified September 5, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Tumbled green serpentine (likely nephrite jade imitation/alternative)
Scientific name: Serpentine-group minerals, chiefly antigorite and lizardite; composition approximately Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 5, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $2–$15 for a common polished piece; approximately $20–$75 if unusually translucent, attractive, and confirmed as quality nephrite.

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

Formed when ultramafic mantle rocks undergo low-temperature hydration and metamorphism, commonly in subduction-zone mélanges; most examples are Paleozoic to younger, though age cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Used for carvings, beads, cabochons, decorative stone, and sometimes marketed as “new jade.” It is softer and generally less valuable than true jadeite or nephrite.

Geological facts

The specimen may also be low-grade nephrite or another green stone; image-only identification is provisional. A refractive index, hardness, specific gravity, and microscopic examination would separate these possibilities.

Field identification & locations

Common sources include California, New Zealand, China, Afghanistan, and Italy. Serpentine typically has a softer feel and scratches more easily than nephrite; avoid acids and ultrasonic cleaning.