mineral
Tumbled pale green stone, possibly serpentine or green aventurine
Uncertain from photograph; likely serpentine-group mineral, chiefly antigorite/lizardite, or quartz-bearing aventurine
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectRounded and polished, pale yellow-green with cloudy gray-green patches and low vitreous to waxy luster. Serpentine has Mohs hardness 2.5–4 and specific gravity about 2.5–2.6; aventurine quartz is harder, about 7, so a scratch test is diagnostic.
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Physical properties
Rounded and polished, pale yellow-green with cloudy gray-green patches and low vitreous to waxy luster. Serpentine has Mohs hardness 2.5–4 and specific gravity about 2.5–2.6; aventurine quartz is harder, about 7, so a scratch test is diagnostic.
Formation & geological history
Serpentine forms when ultramafic rocks undergo hydration during metamorphism; green aventurine forms when quartz-rich fluids crystallize with mica inclusions. Ages vary widely by deposit, commonly Paleozoic or younger.
Uses & applications
Used as a decorative tumbled stone, carving material, and ornamental aggregate; higher-quality green aventurine is used in inexpensive jewelry. Serpentine is also used decoratively but should not be cut or powdered without checking for asbestos-forming fibers.
Geological facts
The image does not show diagnostic crystals, veining, or cleavage, so exact identification is uncertain. The smooth shape indicates human tumbling rather than a natural outcrop surface.
Field identification & locations
Common sources include California, Vermont, Italy, New Zealand, China, India, and Brazil. Check hardness, streak, translucency, and specific gravity; avoid inhaling dust because some serpentine can contain fibrous chrysotile.
