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Where is Serpentine found?

Serpentine group minerals

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Serpentine occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.

Where to find Serpentine

California, USA

Extensive serpentinite belts, particularly in the Coast Ranges and Sierra Nevada foothills, often associated with ophiolites.

Appalachian Mountains, USA/Canada

Occurrences in various states and provinces, reflecting ancient oceanic crust and mantle obduction.

Italy

Notable for decorative varieties, particularly in the Alps and Apennines.

New Zealand

Source of Bowenite, a translucent, hard variety of antigorite, often used for carving.

Russia (Urals)

Significant deposits of chrysotile asbestos and decorative serpentinite.

Cyprus

Part of the Troodos Ophiolite, a classic example of oceanic crust.

Collecting tips

  1. Geological Context. Look for serpentine in areas mapped as ultramafic rocks (peridotite, dunite) or ophiolite complexes. These are often found in mountain belts or ancient suture zones.
  2. Associated Minerals. Serpentine often occurs with chromite, magnetite, talc, magnesite, and sometimes relict olivine or pyroxene.
  3. Field Appearance. Serpentinite outcrops often have a distinctive greenish-black, smooth, and sometimes slickensided appearance due to tectonic deformation. The soil above serpentinite can be reddish-brown due to iron oxidation.
  4. Safety Precaution: Asbestos. Be extremely cautious when collecting fibrous varieties of serpentine, particularly chrysotile. Chrysotile is a form of asbestos, and inhalation of its fibers can cause serious lung diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Avoid disturbing or breaking fibrous serpentine. Do not saw, grind, or sand it without proper respiratory protection (P100 respirator) and ventilation. If unsure, treat fibrous material as potentially hazardous and avoid direct contact or inhalation of dust.

Quick Check

Color:
Green to yellowish-green, often mottled
Luster:
Greasy, waxy, or silky
Streak:
White

Explore Serpentine

Overview

Full guide to Serpentine

Identification

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