Serpentine identification and geology

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• Browse all mineral identification entries — Compare this entry with the complete GeoMiner minerals collection.
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• Chlorite
• Epidote
• Green minerals — Place this specimen in a broader field-identification workflow.

Sources, scope & corrections

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.

Editorial owner

GeoMiner

Last updated

2026-02-10T20:19:10.304431+00:00

Review status

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.
• Asbestos fact sheet — U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Official guidance on asbestos fibre release, health risks, exposure prevention, and respiratory protection.

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Common questions

What is Serpentine?

Group of magnesium silicate minerals formed by hydration of ultramafic rocks. Includes antigorite, lizardite, and chrysotile asbestos .

How can you identify Serpentine?

Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Green, yellow-green, black; lustre: Waxy to greasy; streak: White; Mohs hardness: 2.5-5.5; cleavage: Variable; crystal system: Monoclinic; transparency: Translucent to opaque. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.

How does Serpentine form?

Forms from hydration serpentinization of olivine and pyroxene in ultramafic rocks at temperatures below 500°C.

Where is Serpentine commonly found?

Worldwide; Quebec, Italy, California, Zimbabwe; found wherever ultramafic rocks are exposed to water.

Is Serpentine safe to handle?

Some fibrous habits or varieties in this mineral group may be asbestos. Treat any fibrous specimen as suspect: do not disturb, break, brush, cut, grind, or clean it. Isolate it in a closed, clearly labelled container and seek qualified local guidance. Avoid creating dust or using destructive tests on an unknown specimen, and follow site-specific safety procedures.

What is Serpentine commonly confused with?

Serpentine may be confused with Chlorite, Jade, Epidote. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.