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

Transparency

Opaque

metamorphiccommon

Serpentinite

Hardness: 2.5-5.5
Luster: Waxy
Transparency: Opaque

Is this serpentinite?

4-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
Pick out the minerals
Composition: Mostly antigorite, lizardite and chrysotile with magnetite; brucite less common. Identify the two or three most abundant grains.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: waxy.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: green, yellow-green, black, brown.

Often confused with

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

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

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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
Luster: Waxy
Transparency: Opaque
Rarity: Common
Uses: Decorative, Lapidary, Building material
Host rock: metamorphic environments
Composition: Mostly antigorite, lizardite and chrysotile with magnetite; brucite less common

Where rockhounds find serpentinite

Classic worldwide localities

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

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: metamorphic environments. If you start seeing chromite, magnesite, chrysotile in float, you are in the right ground.

Common questions

How do you identify serpentinite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-5.5. Composition: Mostly antigorite, lizardite and chrysotile with magnetite; brucite less common. Luster: waxy. Common colors include green, yellow-green, black, brown.

Where is serpentinite found?+

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

Is serpentinite safe to handle?+

Serpentinite contains asbestiform fibers. Serpentinite often contains asbestiform minerals such as chrysotile; avoid creating dust or crushing the rock to prevent inhalation of harmful fibers.

What rocks look like serpentinite?+

Serpentinite is most often confused with Jade, Soapstone. 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?+

Where it forms: 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.