Serpentine
Image: Strekeisen (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameSerpentine
Chemical Formula(Mg,Fe)3Si2O5(OH)4
Mohs Hardness2.5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lusterwaxy
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagegood in one direction
Fracturesplintery
Specific Gravity2.55
Colorsgreen, yellowish-green, brownish-green, white, gray, black
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityWorldwide (e.g., Alps, Appalachians, California, Oman)
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesornamental stone, carving, architectural stone, source of magnesium
Associated Mineralsolivine, pyroxene, talc, magnetite, chromite
Raritycommon
Description
This microscopic image, taken under crossed nicols with a compensator, reveals fibrous serpentine minerals within a serpentinite rock, exhibiting a striking pattern of wavy brown, white, and blue interference colors.
Geological Context
Serpentine minerals are formed by the hydrothermal alteration (serpentinization) of ultramafic igneous rocks like peridotite and dunite, typically occurring in oceanic crust, subduction zones, and orogenic belts.
