Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q126871368" class="extiw" title="d:Q126871368"><span title="photographer from the United States">Darla Sondrol</span></a></bdi> (CC0)
monocliniccommonSilicates
Serpentine
(Mg,Fe)₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄
This sample features predominately green Ni-rich serpentine, also known as genthite or garnierite, with visible yellow patches of hydromagnesite needles on magnesite. The serpentine exhibits a characteristic green hue, indicative of its nickel content.
Serpentine Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
3.5Crystal System
monoclinicLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
none to poorFracture
conchoidal/unevenSpecific Gravity
2.55Colors
greenTransparency
translucent to opaqueType Locality
Lancaster County, PennsylvaniaMineral Group
SilicatesUses
carving, architectural stone, collector specimensAssociated Minerals
hydromagnesite, magnesiteRarity
commonGeological Context
Serpentine minerals typically form through the alteration of mafic-ultramafic igneous rocks via hydrothermal processes, a phenomenon known as serpentinization. This process involves the hydration and metamorphic transformation of olivine and pyroxene.
