Serpentine
| Colour | Green |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 2.5–6 (original) 3.5–4.0 (antigorite) 2.5 (lizardite) 2.5–3.0 (chrysotile) |
| Lustre | Vitreous, silky, greasy, waxy |
| Streak | White, greenish-white |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic |
| Cleavage | Almost perfect |
| Chemical formula | with X = Mg 2+ , Fe 2+ , Ni 2+ , Mn 2+ , Zn 2+ |
| Specific gravity | 2.2–2.9 |
What is Serpentine?
Serpentine subgroup are greenish, brownish, or spotted minerals commonly found in serpentinite. They are used as a source of magnesium and asbestos, and as decorative stone. The name comes from the greenish color and smooth or scaly appearance from the Latin serpentinus, meaning "snake-like".
How to identify Serpentine
- Lustre: Vitreous, silky, greasy, waxy.
- Hardness: Mohs 2.5–6 (original) 3.5–4.0 (antigorite) 2.5 (lizardite) 2.5–3.0 (chrysotile) — soft; a knife will scratch it.
- Streak: White, greenish-white.
- Habit: Monoclinic crystal system.
Serpentine value
Based on 100 recent eBay sold listings, a polished / carved Serpentine typically sells for $12–$69. After eBay fees a seller nets roughly $20 on a median piece.
| Recently sold | Weight | Sold | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carved Green Stone Turtle Figurine Serpentine Jade Style Miniture Animal | — | $12 | 2026-06-21 |
| Vintage Chinese Hand-Carved Jade Or Serpentine Dragon Figurines 3" Long W/Base | — | $24 | 2026-06-21 |
| 5" SERPENTINE w/ PYRITE Tower Polished Gemstone Point Obelisk - Peru | — | $15 | 2026-06-21 |
| Natural Southern Jade Sphere Green Serpentine Crystal Ball Healing 2840g 6.26LB | 2840 g | $19 | 2026-06-21 |
| VTG 1930's CHINESE CARVED SERPENTINE SCHOLAR OLD MAN PENDANT AMULET TOGGLE | — | $40 | 2026-06-21 |
| Natural Southern Jade Sphere Green Serpentine Crystal Ball Healing 2780g 6.12LB | 2776 g | $69 | 2026-06-21 |
Typical recently-sold prices, 2026-06. Condition, size and quality vary widely, so this is an estimate, not an appraisal. See current sold listings on eBay ↗. Full value guide · how we work this out.
Serpentine in different forms
Stones often confused with Serpentine
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Serpentine?
Serpentine is Mohs 2.5–6 (original) 3.5–4.0 (antigorite) 2.5 (lizardite) 2.5–3.0 (chrysotile) on the hardness scale.
What colour is Serpentine?
Serpentine is typically green (Green, yellowish-green, blueish-gray (antigorite) Green, brown, light yellow to white (lizardite) Greyish green to white).