Serpentine – Norway

Specimens of serpentine found in Modum, Southern Norway. Specimens are supplied in a card tray with a information label. Serpentinite is a rock composed of one or more serpentine group minerals, hydrous magnesium iron phyllosilicates. Minerals in this group are formed by serpentinization, a hydration and metamorphic transformation of ultramafic rock from the Earth's mantle. The mineral alteration is particularly important at the sea floor at tectonic plate boundaries. The rock derives it's name from the greenish & sometimes scaly or waxy appearance reminiscent of a serpent.