Serpentine

Real mineral · common · Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄

A group of magnesium silicate minerals formed by hydrothermal alteration of olivine and pyroxene in ultramafic rocks. The fibrous chrysotile variety is the main form of asbestos. Gives serpentinite its characteristic green mottled appearance.

Identity

Formula

Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄

Chemical class

silicate

Also known as

Antigorite, Chrysotile (fibrous), Lizardite, Bowenite (gem variety)

Crystallography

Crystal system

monoclinic

Habits

massive, fibrous, foliated

Fracture

splintery

Physical properties

Mohs hardness

4

Density

2.55 g/cm³

Luster

waxy, silky, pearly

Colors

green, dark green, yellow-green, white, gray, black

Streak

white

Transparency

translucent, opaque

Geology

Origins

metamorphic, hydrothermal

Host rocks

peridotite, dunite, basalt

Associated minerals

Talc, Chlorite, Magnetite, Chromite

Geography

worldwide

Classification

Rarity

common

Gem quality

Yes

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