metamorphic

Tumbled serpentine or soapstone pebble

Serpentine-group minerals, chiefly antigorite/lizardite; possibly talc-rich steatite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Smooth, rounded, pale olive-green to tan, with dull/waxy luster and mottled brown weathering. Hardness is approximately Mohs 2–4 (soapstone ~1–2.5; serpentine ~2.5–5), noncleavable at this scale, and typically massive rather than visibly crystalline.

Identified August 26, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Tumbled serpentine or soapstone pebble
Scientific name: Serpentine-group minerals, chiefly antigorite/lizardite; possibly talc-rich steatite
Category: metamorphic
Identified: August 26, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $1–$10 as a common tumbled or unpolished pebble; $10–$50 if unusually attractive, polished, or confirmed high-quality carving stone.

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 by hydration and metamorphic alteration of ultramafic rocks, commonly during oceanic crust or mountain-belt processes; exact age cannot be determined from the image. Its shape appears naturally water-worn or mechanically tumbled.

Uses & applications

Used as a carving stone, ornamental material, and historically for heat-resistant objects; polished serpentine is used in beads and decorative pieces. This ordinary pebble has little commercial value.

Geological facts

The identification is image-based and not definitive; similar colors occur in altered basalt, greenstone, and weathered soapstone. Serpentine may feel slightly greasy or waxy and can produce a pale streak.

Field identification & locations

Common in ultramafic-rock terrains, including California, Italy, New Zealand, Canada, and many ophiolite belts. Check hardness, streak, density, and acid response; avoid grinding unknown serpentine because some associated rocks may contain asbestos-form minerals.