Serpentinite is a metamorphic rock formed by the hydration and metamorphic transformation of ultramafic rocks from the Earth's mantle. It is often characterized by a mottled, scaly green appearance and a waxy luster, making it popular for ornamental carvings and decorative stonework.

Hardness

2.5-5.5

Mohs

Luster

Waxy

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

metamorphiccommon

Serpentinite

Hardness: 2.5-5.5
Luster: Waxy
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this serpentinite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch serpentinite with a known reference. Serpentinite sits at Mohs 2.5-5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Serpentinite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Serpentinite typically shows a waxy luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: green, yellow-green, black, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Typical habit: massive.

Often confused with

Serpentinite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Nephrite Jade

Mohs 6-6.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads waxy on Serpentinite and greasy on Nephrite Jade.

How to tell apart: Serpentinite is noticeably harder (Mohs 2.5-5.5 vs. 1); luster reads waxy on Serpentinite and pearly on Talc.

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Often found alongside serpentinite

Minerals reported to co-occur with serpentinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Mohs hardness: 2.5-5.5
Density: 2.5-2.7 g/cm³
Colors: Green Yellow-green Black Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Waxy
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal habit: Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Decorative, Lapidary, Building Material
Host rock: Metamorphic Environments
Typical price: $5-50 specimens, $20-100 carvings

Where rockhounds find serpentinite

Classic worldwide localities

Italy
Greece
USA (California)
Canada (Quebec)
New Zealand

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic environments country — that is the host setting where serpentinite typically forms. If you start seeing chromite, magnesite, chrysotile in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify serpentinite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-5.5. It typically shows a waxy luster. The streak is white. Common colors include green, yellow-green, black, brown.

Where is serpentinite found?+

Notable localities include Italy; Greece; USA (California); Canada (Quebec); New Zealand.

How much is serpentinite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $5-50 specimens, $20-100 carvings. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is serpentinite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Serpentinite often contains asbestiform minerals such as chrysotile; avoid creating dust or crushing the rock to prevent inhalation of harmful fibers. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like serpentinite?+

Serpentinite is most often confused with Nephrite Jade, Talc. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with serpentinite?+

Serpentinite commonly co-occurs with Chromite, Magnesite, Chrysotile, Talc. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does serpentinite form in?+

Serpentinite typically forms in metamorphic environments. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is serpentinite used for?+

Serpentinite is used in decorative, lapidary, building material.

Find serpentinite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.