THE SERPENTINE

MINERAL GROUP

Serpentine is not a single mineral, but rather a group of related minerals. Besides
for the main members of Antigorite and Chrysotile, a distinction is not usually
made between the individual members except under scientific study and
classification. Antigorite usually represents the more solid forms, and Chrysotile
usually represents the fibrous forms, especially asbestos. Chrysotile is further
sub-classified into four member minerals by its crystallization,
and Clinochrysotile is by far the most prevalent form of Chrysotile.
Fibrous Chrysotile, a type of asbestos, should never be brought near the mouth.
If its fibers or particles enter the lungs, they can cause asbestosis. Asbestosis is a
lung disease caused by inhalation of asbestos particles, which causes several
cancers, particularly lung cancer and mesothelioma. Symptoms of asbestosis do
not arise until about 20 years after the inhalation. Due to the hazards, washing
hands after handling specimens is highly recommended. Many mineral collectors
avoid collecting asbestos minerals out of safety concerns.

Chemical
Formula

The Serpentine group is composed of several related minerals. A

generic formula that includes all members is:
X2-3Si2O5(OH)4
Where X = Mg, Fe2+, Fe3+, Ni , Al, Zn, or Mn.
(One of the two Si atoms may also be replaced by an Al or Fe
atom in a few rare members.)
This leads to a complete formula of (Mg,Fe,Ni,Al,Zn,Mn)23(Si,Al,Fe)2O5(OH)4.
(The subscripted 2-3 after the first set of elements denotes that
there are two or three of the selected elements, depending on
the charge of the element. Some very rare forms of Serpentine
contain water [H2O] in place of the hydroxyl [OH]. Since the
charge of water is different from hydroxyl, the formula of these
rare forms is slightly altered.)
The two most common members of the Serpentine Group are:
Antigorite - (Mg,Fe)3Si2O5(OH)4
Chrysotile - Mg3Si2O5(OH)4
Chrysotile is not a single mineral, but a group
of polymorphous minerals with the same chemical

composition but different crystal lattice. Chrysotile polytypes

are:
Clinochrysotile (monoclinic)
Orthochrysotile (orthorhombic)
Parachrysotile (orthorhombic)
Lizardite (hexagonal)
Other members of the Serpentine group are:
Amesite - Mg2Al(SiAl)O5(OH)4
Cronstedtite - Fe2+2Fe3+(SiFe3+)O5(OH)4
Fraipontite - (Zn,Al)3(Si,Al)2O5(OH)4
Nepouite - Ni3Si2O5(OH)4
There are several additional members of the Serpentine group
not discussed here due to there extreme rarity.

Composition

Basic silicate of magnesium, iron, aluminum, nickel, zinc, and

manganese. (Some rare varieties contain water in place of
the hydroxyl, and substitute a different metal in exchange of the
charge difference.)

Color

White, yellow, green, gray, brown, black, purple; sometimes

multicolored, especially green and yellow.

Streak

White

Hardness

2-5

Crystal
System

Monoclinic

Crystal Forms
and
Aggregates

Antigorite, Clinochrysotile, Cronstedtite, Fraipontite,

and Nepouite all crystallize in the monoclinic crystal system.
Orthochrysotile and Parachrysotile crystallize in
the orthorhombic crystal system.
Lizardite crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system.
Amesite crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system.
Serpentine aggregates include massive, platy, fibrous (forming
tough, flexible and elastic fibers), botryoidal, columnar, earthy, p
laty, micaceous, in pyramidal groupings, in
parallel bladed groups, and as fibrous veins. Fibrous veins may
be straight, but are more often in curved, angled veins. Some
fibrous forms are extremely soft and flexible and resemble wool.
Serpentine also pseudomorphs after many minerals, where it
form in the same crystal shape as the pseudomorphed mineral.

Transparency

Translucent to opaque. Rarely transparent.

Specific
Gravity

2.5 - 3.2

Luster

Greasy, waxy, or silky

Cleavage

Usually not discernible because of crystal development.

Chrysotile may exhibit basal cleavage.

Fracture

Conchoidal, splintery

Tenacity

Brittle. Fibrous Serpentine is flexible and elastic.

Other ID
Marks

1) Has a greasy feel.

2) Yellow Serpentine often fluoresces a cream-white color
in shortwave ultraviolet light.

In Group

Silicates; Phyllosilicates

Striking
Features

Greasy feel, soft compared to similar minerals, and

may flexible and elastic.

Environment

Serpentine is fairly common in many environments, and is an

important rock forming mineral in
many metamorphic environments.

Rock Type

Metamorphic

Popularity (14)

Prevalence
(1-3)

Demand (1-3) 1
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