Lizardite | Kennack, Grade-Ruan, Cornwall

A fascinating natural Lizardite specimen from Kennack, Grade-Ruan, on Cornwall's geologically remarkable Lizard Peninsula. Featuring a striking mustard-yellow to olive-green face contrasted against deep reddish-brown and dark green rock, this specimen beautifully represents the distinctive mineral formations associated with one of Britain's most important geological regions.

Specimen Description

This unusual Lizardite specimen displays a broad, relatively flat surface of rich yellow-green mineralisation, with subtle olive tones, darker inclusions and delicate natural veining throughout.

The main face features a distinctive mustard-yellow colour, interrupted by scattered dark grey to black markings and areas of muted green. Fine natural fractures and subtle variations in translucency create additional depth across the surface.

Along the upper edge, a narrow band of green material separates the yellow-green face from a contrasting reddish-brown outer layer.

The reverse reveals a dramatically different appearance, with deep burgundy-brown, dark green and greyish mineral surfaces intersected by thin, pale-coloured veins.

Viewed from the side, the specimen displays its layered structure, with greenish mineralisation running beneath the broad yellow surface and darker host rock forming the lower portion.

Its elongated, naturally angular formation and contrasting colours make it particularly attractive as a geological display specimen.

About Lizardite

Lizardite is a magnesium-rich silicate mineral belonging to the serpentine group, with the chemical formula Mg3Si2O5(OH)4.

It forms primarily through serpentinisation, a geological process in which magnesium-rich rocks such as peridotite and other ultramafic rocks undergo alteration through interaction with water.

This process changes the original minerals within the rock, producing serpentine-group minerals including Lizardite, Chrysotile and Antigorite.

Lizardite commonly occurs in fine-grained, massive or platy formations and can display shades of pale green, yellow-green, olive and darker green depending on associated minerals and impurities.

The mineral takes its name from the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall, where serpentine-bearing rocks have played an important role in geological research.

Geological Information

• Mineral: Lizardite
• Mineral Group: Serpentine
• Chemical Formula: Mg3Si2O5(OH)4
• Crystal System: Trigonal
• Mohs Hardness: Approximately 2.5
• Colour: Yellow-green, olive-green and green
• Typical Formation: Fine-grained, massive or platy aggregates
• Geological Process: Serpentinisation of magnesium-rich rocks

Locality History & Geological Heritage

Kennack, Grade-Ruan, Cornwall lies on the Lizard Peninsula, one of the most geologically distinctive areas in the British Isles.

Unlike many other Cornish mineral localities, which are associated with historic tin and copper mining, the Lizard Peninsula is especially important for its exposures of ancient oceanic rocks.

The peninsula contains portions of an ancient ophiolite complex, representing rocks associated with oceanic crust and the upper mantle that were subsequently incorporated into the Earth's continental geological structure.

These rocks include serpentinite, gabbro and other mafic and ultramafic formations, providing an exceptional opportunity to study geological processes that ordinarily occur far beneath the Earth's surface.

Serpentine minerals form when magnesium-rich rocks undergo chemical alteration through interaction with water. Lizardite is one of the minerals associated with this process.

The Lizard Peninsula has long attracted geologists because of its unusual rock formations and its significance in understanding the geological development of southwest England.

The area around Kennack is particularly interesting for its complex coastal geology, where different rock types and geological structures can be observed within a relatively small geographical area.

The name Lizardite itself reflects the mineral's historical association with the Lizard Peninsula, making specimens from this region especially appealing to collectors interested in mineral names and their geological origins.

This specimen is recorded as originating from Kennack, Grade-Ruan, Cornwall. No individual mine, quarry or precise collection location has been supplied, so its provenance is attributed to the wider Kennack locality rather than a specific extraction site.

Intention & Associated Chakras

Within traditional crystal practices, Lizardite and other serpentine minerals are associated with emotional balance, personal growth and a connection with the natural world.

The mineral's earthy green and yellow colouring is symbolically associated with the Heart Chakra and Solar Plexus Chakra.

The Heart Chakra represents compassion, emotional harmony and self-acceptance, while the Solar Plexus Chakra is associated with personal confidence and inner strength.

Intentions: Calm, spiritual growth and self-love.

Associated Chakras: Heart Chakra and Solar Plexus Chakra.

These associations reflect traditional spiritual beliefs and are not scientifically established mineral properties.

Specimen Details

• Mineral: Lizardite
• Locality: Kennack, Grade-Ruan, Cornwall, England
• Mine: Not specified
• Weight: 75g
• Measurements: Approximately 44.2mm x 81.7mm
• Colour: Mustard-yellow, olive-green, burgundy-brown and dark green
• Formation: Natural raw mineral specimen
• Condition: Natural irregular edges, visible fractures and contrasting mineral layers
• Price: £23.00

Care Information: Lizardite is relatively soft and should be handled carefully. Avoid soaking, abrasive cleaning, polishing or generating mineral dust. As serpentine-bearing rocks can sometimes contain associated fibrous minerals, avoid cutting, grinding or sanding the specimen.

You will receive the exact specimen photographed. Decorative accessories are not included.