Serpentine << SUR puhn teen >> is a mineral which occurs in metamorphic rock—that is, rock that has changed its appearance due to heat and, in some cases, pressure.
Serpentine is found in three forms—chrysotile, antigorite, and lizardite. Chrysotile, a fiberlike variety, is the most important type of asbestos. However, its use is now limited due to health problems associated with asbestos. Chrysotile has been mined in Canada, Kazakhstan, Russia, and South Africa. Antigorite, a flaky variety, occurs as massive rocks that often have green spots. Antigorite is used as a polished ornamental stone called verd antique or serpentine marble. Lizardite is difficult to tell apart from antigorite, except by analysis with X rays.
See also Asbestos; Metamorphic rock.
