Serpentine is a group of hydrous magnesium silicate minerals with the general formula (Mg,Fe)₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄. It is typically green but can also appear in shades of yellow, brown, or black, often with a smooth, waxy texture. Serpentine has a Mohs hardness of 2.5 to 5.5, depending on its composition, making it relatively soft and best suited for carvings, cabochons, and ornamental use. It commonly forms in metamorphic rocks due to the alteration of ultramafic rocks. Major sources include China, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Afghanistan. Some varieties, such as Bowenite, are prized for their durability and beauty in jewelry and sculpture.