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1 Overview

Serpentine is said to owe its name either to its serpent-like colors and patterns or from an old belief that the stones were effective protection from snake bites. They have their origins in metamorphic alterations of peridotite, amphibolite and pyroxene. Serpentines may also pseudomorphously replace other magnesium silicates. Alterations may be incomplete, causing physical properties of serpentines to vary widely. Where they form a significant part of the land surface, the soil is unusually high in clayFor the town in the United States, see Clay, New York. Clay is a generic term for an aggregate of hydrous silicate particles less than 4 micrometers in diameter. It consists of small crystals of the minerals silica (SiO) and alumina (AlO). These elements,, and the flora is generally very distinctive. Areas of serpentine soil will show as strips of herb and brushland within otherwise forested areas.

Most serpentines are opaque to translucent, light ( specific gravity between 2.2-2.9), soft ( hardness 2.5-4), infusible and susceptible to acidFor alternative meanings see acid (disambiguation). An acid (represented by the generic formula AH is typically a water-soluble, sour-tasting chemical compound. An acid always has a pH of less than 7. It is a molecule or ion that contains hydrogen or thats. All are microcrystalline and massive in habitIn mineralogy, shape and size give rise to descriptive terms applied to the typical appearance, or habit of crystals. The many terms used by mineralogists to describe crystal habits are useful in communicating what specimens of a particular mineral often, never being found as single crystalThis article is about the form of solid matter. For other uses of this word, see Crystal (disambiguation . Insulin Crystals A crystal is a solid in which the constituent atoms, molecules, or ions are packed in a regularly ordered, repeating pattern extends. LusterLuster is a description of the way light interacts with the surface of a crystal, rock or mineral. For example, a diamond is said to have an adamantine luster and pyrite is said to have a metallic luster. The word luster traces its origins back to the Lat may be vitreous, greasy or silky. Colors range from white to grey, yellow to green, and brown to black, and are often splotchy or veined. Many are intergrown with other minerals, such as calciteThe mineral calcite is a carbonate of calcium corresponding to the formula CaCO and is one of the most widely distributed minerals on the Earth's surface. It is a common constituent of sedimentary rocks, limestone in particular. It also occurs as a vein m and dolomite. Occurrence is worldwide: Canada ( Quebec), USA ( California), Afghanistan, China, France, Norway and Italy are notable localities.

Rock composed primarily of these minerals is called serpentinite. Serpentines find use in industry for a number of purposes, such as railway ballasts, building materials, and the asbestiform types find use as thermal and electrical insulation (chrysotile asbestos). The more attractive and durable varieties (all of antigorite) are termed "noble" or "precious" serpentine and are used extensively as gems and in ornamental carvings. Often dyed, they may imitate jade. Misleading synonyms for this material include "Korean jade," "Suzhou jade," "Styrian jade," and "New jade."

The Maori of New Zealand once carved beautiful objects from local serpentine, which they called tangiwai, meaning "tears." Material quarried in Afghanistan, known as sang-i-yashm, has been used for generations. It is easily carved, taking a good polish, and is said to have a pleasingly greasy feel.

The lapis atracius of the Romans, now known as verde antique or verde antico, is a serpentinite breccia popular as a decorative facing stone. In classical times it was mined at Casambala , Thessaly, Greece. Serpentinite marbles are also widely used: Green Connemara marble (or Irish green marble) from Connemara, Ireland (and many other sources), and red Rosso di Levanto marble from Italy. Use is limited to indoor settings as serpentinites do not weather well.