STONE LIBRARY

Serpentine

Typical Origin China (notably Xiuyan, Liaoning), Italy, Russia, New Zealand, the United States and Canada

Material Type Rock

MATERIAL OVERVIEW

The Material

Serpentine is a broad material category made from serpentine-group minerals and can range from yellow-green and grey-green to deeper green. Natural pieces may show cloudy, mottled, veined, or uneven colour zones with a soft waxy appearance.

The material is generally softer than quartz-rich stones and can take a rounded waxy-to-oily polish. Fine carved details, thin edges, and natural fractures are more susceptible to scratches and impact damage.

VISIBLE CHARACTER

Finished Material Character

See how natural banding, colour variation, and surface character remain visible after carving and polishing.

MATERIAL NOTES

Reference

Material Type: Rock
Typical Origin: China (notably Xiuyan, Liaoning), Italy, Russia, New Zealand, the United States and Canada
Natural Variation: Expected from piece to piece

MATERIAL JOURNAL

Learn More About Serpentine

Continue with a deeper note on the material, its visible character, and what to look for in a finished carving.

READ THE MATERIAL NOTE

Serpentine | Pierre de douce stabilité et de présence durable

Serpentine is valued less for a single dramatic effect than for its range of greens, soft translucency and wax-like polish. Pale yellow-green areas can glow at thinner edges, while olive ...

Read Article

IN THE COLLECTION