Gemstone profile and identification guide
Serpentine
Serpentine is a group of hydrated magnesium silicates used widely as ornamental stone.
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Overview
Serpentine is a group of hydrated magnesium silicates used widely as ornamental stone.
Did you know? Serpentine is often sold as jade substitute and requires species-level distinction in trade.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Serpentine
Scientific classification: Silicate (Serpentine Group)
Hardness: 4 Mohs
Transparency: translucent
Lustre: waxy to greasy
Crystal system: Monoclinic/orthorhombic depending on serpentine species
Primary colour: Green
Secondary colour: Olive
Colour family: Greens
Lower hardness and waxy luster help separate serpentine from jade.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Trade-name and treatment-sensitive entries include explicit disclosure notes where applicable.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: medium
Hardness value: 4 Mohs
Chemical composition: Hydrated magnesium silicate group minerals
Crystal system: Monoclinic/orthorhombic depending on serpentine species
Common locations: China, Afghanistan, Pakistan, New Zealand, United States
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Green ornamental stone family with waxy luster and variable translucency.
Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Serpentine group minerals
Mineral group: Serpentine group
Chemical formula: Hydrated magnesium silicate group minerals
Mohs hardness: 4
Crystal system: Monoclinic/orthorhombic depending on serpentine species
Lustre: waxy to greasy
Transparency: translucent
Streak: White
Cleavage: Poor to good (species-dependent)
Fracture: Uneven to splintery
Specific gravity: 2.4-2.7
Refractive index: 1.56-1.57 (variable)
Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic
Colour range: Light green to dark olive green
Common inclusions: Veins, fibrous textures, dark matrix spots
Geological environment: Serpentinized ultramafic rock terrains
Principal mining regions: China, Afghanistan, Pakistan, New Zealand, United States
Important commercial sources: Serpentine is a broad mineral group used in carvings and jade-like decorative products
Historical significance: Extensively used ornamental and carved stone family.
Common treatments: Dyeing and impregnation may occur.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Dyed composites and resin imitations exist.
Common look-alikes: Nephrite jade, chrysoprase, dyed stone
Jewellery uses: Used in carvings, beads, and decorative architectural items.
Care recommendations: Moderate-to-low hardness; avoid abrasion, impact, and strong acids.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Serpentine.
Formation
Forms by hydration and metamorphic alteration of ultramafic rocks.
Origin
Serpentine is a broad mineral group used in carvings and jade-like decorative products
Uses
Best for: Used in carvings, beads, and decorative architectural items.
Ideal uses: Carving and low-wear decorative jewelry.
Care
Moderate-to-low hardness; avoid abrasion, impact, and strong acids.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Commonly confused gemstones
Serpentine FAQ
How can I identify Serpentine?
Compare hardness (4 Mohs), crystal system (Monoclinic/orthorhombic depending on serpentine species), colour profile, and lustre (waxy to greasy) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Serpentine appear in?
Green ornamental stone family with waxy luster and variable translucency.
Where is Serpentine commonly used?
Carving and low-wear decorative jewelry.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 08 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 08 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 08 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 08 factual verification pass.