Serpentinite

Serpentinite: a metamorphic rock, green in color, composed mainly of minerals from the Serpentine Group, specifically Chrysotile and Antigorite. Secondary components include Olivine, Pyroxenes, Garnet, Amphibole, Chromite, and Magnetite. Calcite is often present. Formed through regional metamorphism of ultrabasic magmatites, it has a massive structure that is sometimes foliated or fibrous.

serpentinite
(Photo: James St. John/Wikimedia Commons, License CC BY 2.0)

back to the gemological glossary