metamorphic
Yellow serpentine (likely serpentine-rich rock)
Serpentinite; chiefly serpentine-group minerals, such as antigorite, lizardite, and chrysotile
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectOlive-yellow to green, waxy or greasy luster, with a smooth, uneven fracture; serpentine minerals have Mohs hardness about 2.5–5.5 and typically form fine-grained, platy or fibrous crystals. The pictured piece cannot be identified conclusively from appearance alone.
Identified More metamorphic →
Explore Yellow serpentine (likely serpentine-rich rock) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Olive-yellow to green, waxy or greasy luster, with a smooth, uneven fracture; serpentine minerals have Mohs hardness about 2.5–5.5 and typically form fine-grained, platy or fibrous crystals. The pictured piece cannot be identified conclusively from appearance alone.
Formation & geological history
Forms when water alters magnesium-rich rocks, commonly peridotite, during serpentinization; this process occurs in oceanic crust and mountain belts and spans a wide range of geological ages.
Uses & applications
Serpentinite is used as decorative and carving stone, and some varieties as dimension stone; fibrous chrysotile was historically used as asbestos, but is hazardous.
Geological facts
Serpentine is a mineral group, not a single mineral; serpentinite can contain several varieties and may include other minerals.
Field identification & locations
Look for a relatively soft, waxy surface and green-to-yellow color, but confirm with mineralogical tests; serpentinite occurs in ultramafic rock belts worldwide. Avoid cutting or grinding unknown material because it could contain asbestos fibers.
More like this
