Platy serpentine mineral forming massive dense aggregates. Non-fibrous and generally considered safer to handle than chrysotile. Color: Green, dark green, black. Luster: Waxy to greasy. Streak: White. Cleavage: Perfect basal. Hardness: 3.5-4. Transparency: Translucent to opaque. Crystal system: Monoclinic. Chemical formula: Mg₃Si₂O₅ OH ₄. Specific gravity: 2.5-2.6. Formation: Forms from serpentinization of olivine and pyroxene at higher temperatures than chrysotile. Common geological settings: Italy Antigorio Valley , worldwide; found in serpentinite bodies. Common look-alikes and related entries: Chlorite, Chrysotile, Lizardite.
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These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
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Last updated
2026-03-30T14:37:48.903727+00:00
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Published; not independently peer-reviewed
IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.
Platy serpentine mineral forming massive dense aggregates. Non-fibrous and generally considered safer to handle than chrysotile.
How can you identify Antigorite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Green, dark green, black; lustre: Waxy to greasy; streak: White; Mohs hardness: 3.5-4; cleavage: Perfect basal; crystal system: Monoclinic; transparency: Translucent to opaque. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Antigorite form?
Forms from serpentinization of olivine and pyroxene at higher temperatures than chrysotile.
Where is Antigorite commonly found?
Italy Antigorio Valley , worldwide; found in serpentinite bodies.
What is Antigorite commonly confused with?
Antigorite may be confused with Chlorite, Chrysotile, Lizardite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
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