Mineral group vs. rock

Serpentine is a mineral group (antigorite, lizardite, chrysotile). A rock made mostly of serpentine minerals is called serpentinite. You’ll see both names in the wild—one is the ingredients, the other is the cake.

Gemmy varieties

Bowenite (a translucent, tough antigorite) is prized for carving and cabbing; williamsite is an apple‑green serpentine dotted with magnetite/chromite. Trade terms like “new jade,” “Afghan jade,” or “Xiuyan jade” often refer to serpentine—lovely material, just not true jade.

From mantle rocks + water

Serpentine forms when ultramafic rocks (peridotite, dunite) are hydrated at low to moderate temperatures. Water sneaks into olivine/pyroxene and rewrites them into serpentine + magnetite ± brucite—sometimes releasing hydrogen in the process.

Ophiolites & subduction zones

Classic places: ancient seafloor slices thrust onto land (ophiolites) and plate boundaries where fluids circulate. Veins, shear zones, and mesh textures tell the story of fluid + rock + time.

Textures by growth

Lizardite makes fine platy masses, antigorite forms undulating plates/blades, and chrysotile fills tiny veins as silky fibers. All can mix within one stone.

Palette

• Apple to pistachio — common in fine‑grained lizardite.
• Olive/forest — antigorite plates and veined serpentinite.
• Black veining — magnetite/chromite seams.
• White streaks — calcite/dolomite veins and healing lines.
• Translucent green — bowenite cabbing rough.

Polished surfaces show waxy to oily luster; some antigorite reveals a subtle silky shimmer along plates.

Pattern words

• Snakeskin/mottle — interlocking greens with fine mesh texture.
• Ribbon antigorite — gently curved blades creating linear flow.
• Verd antique — brecciated serpentine fragments cemented by calcite (a classic architectural stone).
• Slickenside sheen — satiny, striated surfaces along ancient faults.

Photo tip: A low, raking light (~25–30°) wakes up the waxy sheen and makes magnetite veining pop. Neutral grey backgrounds keep greens true.

Mesh textures

Serpentinized peridotite can show a polygonal “mesh”—tiny networks where olivine grains altered from the edges inward. Magnetite dusts the seams like dark grout.

Antigorite plates

Look for undulating plates/blades that give a silky directionality. These can cause slight anisotropic polish—part of the charm.

Veins & travelers

White calcite/dolomite veins crosscut; black chromite/magnetite specks travel along fractures. A tiny magnet may barely tug on magnetite‑rich spots.

Nephrite & jadeite (true jade)

Harder & tougher (nephrite ~6–6.5; jadeite ~6.5–7); higher SG (nephrite ~2.9–3.1; jadeite ~3.3+); brighter, glassier polish. Serpentine is warmer/waxy and scratches more readily.

Prehnite & chalcedony

Both can be pale green & translucent, but they show conchoidal fracture and higher hardness (won’t scratch with a knife). Serpentine’s luster is waxy rather than glassy.

Soapstone (talc‑rich)

Softer (fingernail can mark), powdery feel, often grey; used for countertops/steatite carvings. Serpentine is firmer and usually greener.

“New jade” & dyed stones

Many bright apple‑greens are serpentine sold as “jade.” Dyes may pool in pores and along fractures. Natural serpentine shows subtle tonal shifts, not neon uniformity.

Green marble

Calcite‑rich stones marketed as “green marble” can be serpentine breccias (verd antique). Calcite veins fizz; serpentine matrix does not.

Quick checklist

• Waxy/oily luster and cool “soapy” feel?
• Knife can mark softer varieties; bowenite resists.
• Heft lower than jade; possible weak magnetism from specks.

Ophiolite greens worldwide

Serpentinite belts ring the globe: Italy & Greece (classic decorative stones), Cornwall, UK (Lizard serpentine for Victorian objets d’art), California & Vermont, USA, Quebec, Canada, and many more.

Named gems

Bowenite (New Zealand “tangiwai,” Rhode Island, Taiwan) — translucent antigorite used like jade. Williamsite (Pennsylvania) — bright apple‑green with magnetite sparkles. Xiuyan (Liaoning, China) — a well‑known carving serpentine.

Everyday care

• Clean with lukewarm water + mild soap; dry promptly.
• Avoid harsh acids and prolonged heat; some pieces can darken or etch.
• Store separately; quartz dust will scuff the waxy polish over time.

Jewelry guidance

• Great for pendants, earrings, beads. For rings/bracelets, use protective bezels and mindful wear.
• Bowenite handles daily life better than softer serpentines.

On the wheel

• Wet‑work with light pressure. Fresh belts; keep it cool.
• Pre‑polish 600→1200→3k; finish with chromium oxide or cerium/tin oxide on soft leather/felt for a lush sheen.
• Slight micro‑bevels reduce edge bruising; stabilize crumbly areas sparingly if needed.

Magnet speck test

Hover a tiny magnet: a whisper of pull hints at magnetite flecks along old fracture lines—common in serpentinite.

Polish personality

Tilt a polished surface under low light. Waxy serpentines glow softly; antigorite plates add a silky sweep that seems to move with you.