Serpentinite from Peru - Properties, Processing & Ethical Production

Serpentinite forms through the metamorphic transformation of ultramafic rocks such as peridotite and dunite under hydrothermal conditions. This process, known as serpentinization, involves the hydration of magnesium- and iron-rich silicate minerals, primarily olivine and pyroxene.

The resulting rock consists mainly of serpentine-group minerals, including:

• Antigorite – providing structural strength and thermal stability
• Lizardite – contributing to smooth textures and carving suitability
• Chrysotile – occurring in fibrous microscopic structures within the mineral matrix

The mineralogical composition determines mechanical behavior, surface finish, color variation, and durability. Peruvian serpentinite deposits exhibit favorable crystal intergrowth patterns, reduced fracture density, and high structural coherence, enabling superior cutting performance and surface finishing.

Geologically, Peruvian serpentinite is associated with tectonic ophiolite complexes and subduction-zone metamorphism, producing material with distinct chromatic saturation, low porosity, and stable physical performance.

Serpentinite exhibits physical properties that make it suitable for a wide range of technical and decorative applications:

• Mohs Hardness: 2.5 – 4
• Density: 2.5 – 2.7 g/cm³
• Porosity: Low to moderate
• Structural Behavior: Medium ductility, excellent carving response
• Surface Finish: High polish capability

These properties allow ethically sourced serpentinite to be precisely cut, carved, polished, and stabilized for jewelry components, decorative objects, architectural panels, and design applications. While softer than true jade (nephrite), high-grade serpentinite demonstrates excellent surface stability when properly processed.

Only our most experienced master carvers take part in Gemrocks´ cabochon and jewelry production. Indeed, it takes many months of training to be able to produce a flawless premium-cut cabochon.

Additionally, our raw material quality standards are probably the world’s highest. As a result, only about 25 % of the rough rock coming from the mine is considered jewelry-grade.

Check our professional Serpentinite Gemstone Quality Standard and avoid wasting your money on low-grade material.

Contact us for custom production of your cabochon and jewelry designs.

If you are a jewelry maker looking for top-quality cabochons, check out our stock:

Gemrock applies a proprietary multi-stage quality classification system to ensure consistent structural integrity, surface finish performance, and aesthetic excellence in its ethical stone processing.

Only material meeting strict mechanical and aesthetic criteria enters Gemrock’s responsible serpentinite production stream. This system ensures predictable cutting yields, superior polish results, and long-term product durability

As of 2025 Gemrock in cooperation with our associated gold- and silversmith Herdel SAC offers you a huge variety of top-quality crystal jewelry in gold and silver.

Apart from our designs, we offer personalized custom jewelry production for everyone (shops and retail clients). Contact us:

Serpentinite from Peru is utilized across diverse product categories:

Gemrock’s sustainable serpentinite manufacturing is governed by strict ethical and environmental protocols:

Throughout history, serpentinite has held symbolic, ceremonial, and artistic significance across multiple ancient civilizations. In Mesoamerican cultures, serpentinite was used in ritual artifacts and symbolic carvings associated with fertility, transformation, and cosmological representation. Ancient Chinese artisans frequently employed serpentine minerals as substitutes for jade in ceremonial objects and imperial ornaments.

Serpentinite played an important role in ancient Andean material culture. Serpentinite was extensively used by the Chavín civilization (900–200 BCE) in Peru for sacred carvings, ceremonial heads, and monumental sculpture, including temple reliefs and ritual artifacts.

Its deep green coloration, fine grain, and polishability made it a favored stone for ceremonial carvings, ornaments, beads, and ritual objects.

Archaeological evidence shows that serpentinite was valued primarily for its aesthetic and symbolic qualities rather than for functional tools. In Andean cosmology, green stones were broadly associated with water, fertility, and life renewal — a symbolism based on color rather than specific mineral identity.

Today, serpentinite continues to link pre-Hispanic artistic traditions with contemporary Andean craftsmanship, especially in southern Peru.

Serpentinite requires appropriate handling and care to ensure long-term durability:

• Avoid prolonged exposure to acidic substances
• Protect from thermal shock and extreme temperature changes
• Clean with mild soap and water
• Store separately from harder stones

Safety Note:

Although serpentinite may contain trace chrysotile fibers at microscopic levels, finished polished products pose no health risk when properly processed. Gemrock’s cutting and finishing protocols comply with international safety standards, ensuring safe handling and consumer use.

Explore related topics:

• Ethical Mining & Processing
• Zero-Waste Production Systems
• Decorative Stone Objects
• Jewelry Material Collections
• Environmental Leadership Program