What's That Rock?Serpentine
A group of green to yellow-green minerals with a slick, waxy look. One fibrous kind, chrysotile, is a type of asbestos.
Safety
Fibrous serpentine (chrysotile) is asbestos. Do not break, sand, cut or grind it. If you see silky fibers or the rock flakes into fibers, avoid breathing the dust and keep it sealed.
How to identify Serpentine
- Waxy, slick surface that may look scaly
- Softer than quartz: scratched by a knife
- Green with veins or mottled patterns
Often confused with
Real or fake?
- Serpentine is often sold as 'new jade' or 'Korean jade'
Is Serpentine valuable?
Inexpensive.
Typical retail prices
Tumbled stone$1–4each
Rough$5–20per pound
Typical retail ranges in US dollars, compiled from public dealer and marketplace listings in October 2026. Real prices vary widely with quality, size and origin. This is general information, not an appraisal.
What changes the price
- Type: gem-quality antigorite ('new jade') costs more than ordinary pieces
- Color and translucency: even, glassy green stone costs most
- Mistaken identity: it is often sold as jade, check what you are buying
- Fibrous serpentine can be asbestos: do not cut or sand it
Uses
- Carvings and ornaments (non-fibrous kinds)
Care
Safe to wash if solid and polished.
Identifying a stone from a description or a photo is an estimate. Many stones look alike. Ask an expert or a gem lab before you buy, sell or rely on an identification.
Updated October 2026