metamorphic

Weathered greenish metamorphic rock, possibly serpentinite

Serpentinite, commonly dominated by antigorite/lizardite Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄; identification is uncertain from the photograph

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Appears olive-green to brown, mottled, dull to slightly waxy, and fine-grained with irregular fracture; serpentinite is typically Mohs 2.5–4 and has a specific gravity around 2.5–2.6. No clear crystals or cleavage are visible.

Identified September 7, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Weathered greenish metamorphic rock, possibly serpentinite
Scientific name: Serpentinite, commonly dominated by antigorite/lizardite Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄; identification is uncertain from the photograph
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 7, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

$2–$15 for a common rough piece; $20–$100 or more for polished, patterned, or museum-quality specimens.

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 ultramafic mantle rocks such as peridotite are hydrated by hydrothermal fluids, commonly in oceanic lithosphere and subduction-zone mélanges. Its age varies widely depending on the tectonic setting.

Uses & applications

Used as an ornamental or carving stone, aggregate, and historically as a source of magnesium; attractive polished pieces may be sold as decorative stone or lapidary material.

Geological facts

Serpentinite often contains magnetite and may show dark veins, slick surfaces, or a green “snakeskin” pattern. Some varieties can contain asbestos-forming minerals, so avoid sawing or inhaling dust.

Field identification & locations

Possible field clues are low hardness, green mottling, waxy surfaces, and a lack of visible quartz grains; confirmation requires hardness, streak, specific-gravity, and mineralogical testing. Common in ophiolites and major fault zones.