Serpentine

Serpentine is the common name of a group of minerals. Apart from the main members of Antigorite and Chrysotile, there is usually no distinction between individual members except for scientific study and classification. Antigorite generally represents more solid forms, and Chrysotile often represents fibrous forms, especially asbestos. Chrysotile divides the four-membered mineral into its subclass with its crystallization, and the clinocotylot is the most common form of Chrysotile to date.

In this formula, X will be one of the following metals: magnesium, iron, nickel, aluminum, zinc, or manganese; and, Y will be silicon, aluminum, or iron. The appropriate generalized formula is thus
(Mg,Fe,Ni, Mn,Zn)_2-3(Si,Al,Fe)₂O₅(OH)₄.

Contents

• Serpentine Formation
• Serpentine Physical Properties 
• Serpentine Optical Properties
• Serpentine Uses

Serpentine Formation

Serpentine minerals, peridotite, dunite and different ultramafic rocks are exposed to hydrothermal metamorphism. Ultramafic rocks are rare on the Earth level, but abundant in the ocean mohounda, at the boundary between the bottom of the ocean crust and the upper mantle.

They are metamorphosed in convergent restrictions where the ocean plate is inserted into the mantle. This is their exposure to hydrothermal metamorphism. The water source for this method is the sea water in the rocks and sediments of the ocean plate.

Serpentine Physical Properties 

The most obvious physical properties of serpentine are its green color, patterned appearance, and slippery feel. These remind the observer of a snake and that is where the name “serpentine” was derived.

partial alteration to serpentine group minerals of olivine, the crystal above in crossed polars. XPL

Serpentine Optical Properties

partial alteration to serpentine group minerals of olivine. PPL

Serpentine Uses

• Serpentine has been used as an architectural stone for lots of years. It is available in a huge type of inexperienced and greenish shades, often has an attractive sample, works without difficulty, and polishes to a pleasant luster. It has a Mohs hardness of three to six that’s softer than granite, and usually harder than most marble. This low hardness limits its appropriate use to surfaces so that it will not get hold of abrasion or put on, such as facing stone, wall tiles, mantles, and window sills.
• Some varieties of serpentine have a fibrous habit. These fibers resist the transfer of heat, do not burn, and serve as excellent insulators. The serpentine mineral chrysotile is common, found in many parts of the world, is easily mined, and can be processed to recover the heat-resistant fibers.
• Attractive serpentine can be cut into a wide variety of gemstones. It is most often cut into cabochons
• Some varieties of serpentine can be carved into beautiful stone sculptures. Fine-grained, translucent material with a uniform texture and without voids and fractures is preferred. Serpentine is relatively soft and carves easily. It also accepts a nice polish.
• They usually display a range of green, yellow, and black colors and often have magnetite, chromite, or other minerals as interesting inclusions. The lower left side of the green and black cabochon in the center of the photo on this page contains enough included magnetite that the cab can be moved with a small hand magnet.
• Serpentinite rock units have been considered as repositories for the disposal of waste carbon dioxide produced when fossil fuels are burned. Injecting carbon dioxide into subsurface rock units in the presence of water can produce magnesium carbonate and quartz in an exothermic reaction similar to the one shown below.