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, 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.