Serpentine is a group of related sheet-silicate minerals (chrysotile, antigorite, lizardite) forming hydrothermal alteration products of olivine in ultramafic rocks. Massive serpentine (“bowenite”) is widely carved as ornamental “new jade.” Xiuyan (Liaoning) supplies major Chinese ornamental serpentine. Chrysotile is the principal asbestos mineral.
Key Facts
- Mohs hardness 2–4.
- Monoclinic phyllosilicate group (chrysotile, antigorite, lizardite varieties).
- Green color with characteristic “snake-skin” patterning.
- Forms by hydrothermal alteration of olivine in ultramafic rocks.
- Chrysotile fibrous variety = principal asbestos source.
Notable Localities
Xiuyan (Liaoning, China) is the principal Chinese ornamental source. Quebec (Canada) and Russia supply chrysotile asbestos. New Idria (California) hosts massive serpentine.
Found at these Localities
- Benitoite Gem Mine (蓝锥矿宝石矿)
- Xiuyan Jade District (岫岩玉矿区)
