S
TONECARE TECHNIQUESSERPENTINE
Serpentine and the green marbles offer a visually distinct richness of color and pattern.
GROUP |
Metamorphic | ||
COMMON |
Carbonate-Silicate | ||
COMPOSITION |
Serpentine, is a complex group of hydrous magnesium silicates, with accessory minerals. Some varieties contain calcium magnesium cabonates, talc, clay minerals and other accessory minerals. | ||
HARDNESS |
Soft to Medium | MOHS' SCALE |
3 - 5 |
POROSITY % |
0.3 - 2.0 | ABSORPTION % |
0.1 - 0.7 |
WEATHERING |
Moisture sensitive as a rule...Veins usually are of calcite minerals and are subject to deterioration from moisture. | ||
TENDENCIES |
Absorbs oils and other liquids...Softer varieties easily scratched...Acid sensitivity varies. | ||
COLORS |
Full range of greens, from blackish-green through leek green. Highly variegated to mottled in appearance. Some exhibit yellowish to brownish colorations. | ||
FINISHES |
Highly Polished...to a greasy wax-like luster...Varieties that contain a higher percentage of talc or clay minerals vary as to the polished finish. | ||
NOTATIONS |
Some green marbles are more moisture sensitive than others...The same for acid sensitivity. The green marbles that do not take a high polish as a rule are not as acid sensitive as the highly polished varieties...Some varieties of green marbles may present problems such as warping, blistering and spalling when installed with setting materials containing water. It is strongly recommended that the use of a water free epoxy adhesive be used...Treating the stone with a water and oil repellent is recommended. | ||
The name Serpentine stems from the
serpentlike bands of greenish color occurring in
massive varieties. It is a product of hydrothermal
alteration of magnesium-rich silicate
minerals. This process is referred to as serpentinization. Serpentinized carbonate rocks
(calcite and dolomites) are known as the popular Verde Antique, dark-green with
white calcite or dolomite veins.
The word Serpentine is often used as a trade term encompassing all green marbles.
Commercially Serpentine has been classified as a "Marble", because these stones
can
take a polish in varying degrees.
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