metamorphic
Yellow serpentine (likely lemon chrysoprase/serpentine breccia)
Serpentine-group minerals, chiefly antigorite/lizardite; commonly mixed with magnesite and iron oxides
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness typically 2.5–4 Mohs; yellow-green to olive with dark gray veining, waxy to greasy luster, massive rather than visibly crystalline, and no obvious cleavage. The rounded, glossy surface indicates a polished or tumbled specimen.
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Physical properties
Hardness typically 2.5–4 Mohs; yellow-green to olive with dark gray veining, waxy to greasy luster, massive rather than visibly crystalline, and no obvious cleavage. The rounded, glossy surface indicates a polished or tumbled specimen.
Formation & geological history
Formed when ultramafic mantle rocks such as peridotite were hydrated during low-temperature metamorphism; yellow coloration may reflect iron-rich serpentine or weathering. Serpentinization ranges from ancient Precambrian terrains to modern tectonic zones.
Uses & applications
Used as ornamental stone, carvings, polished cabochons, and decorative objects; softer material is generally unsuitable for construction. Avoid generating dust because some serpentinite can contain fibrous asbestos minerals.
Geological facts
The brecciated appearance—yellow fragments enclosed by dark veins—is characteristic of altered ultramafic rock. It may also be marketed commercially as “lemon serpentine,” though exact identification requires testing.
Field identification & locations
Look for low hardness, waxy feel, green-yellow color, and dark fracture or vein networks; it commonly occurs in ophiolites and mountain belts. A hardness test and specific-gravity or mineralogical analysis can distinguish it from dyed jasper or chalcedony.
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