The glossy, glazed luster and green-black color are characteristic of
serpentinite. This specimen is from northern California.Return to the Metamorphic Rocks page.
SERPENTINITE The most likely parent rock for serpentinite is the ultramafic igneous rock peridotite. The mafic igneous rocks basalt and gabbro are also possible precursor rocks for serpentinite. Serpentinite is compose of the mineral serpentine which forms as the igneous minerals olivine and pyroxene are subjected to rising temperature and pressure conditions along a subduction plate boundary. Serpentinite can be cut and polished for use as ornamental stone inside buildings.
The glossy, glazed luster and green-black color are characteristic of
serpentinite. This specimen is from northern California.
A
comparison of serpentinite (above) with its parent rock basalt (below).