serpentinite
Green metamorphic rock
Serpentinite is a metamorphic rock composed largely of serpentine minerals, typically dark green with a mottled or veined appearance.
It forms when ocean floor rocks rich in iron and magnesium are altered by water and heat.
Serpentinite is slippery to the touch and often polished for decorative use: The countertop was cut from green serpentinite.
Plate descending beneath another
- mantleCovering or wrap
- hydrothermalHot water underground
- alterationAct of modifying
- tectonicsStudy of crustal deformation
Color of vegetation
- waxyResembling paraffin's texture
- mottledHaving irregular color patches
- veinedMarked with linear channels
- polishedSmooth, refined, accomplished
lustrous · smooth · variegated · banded · translucent · decorative · ornamental · carved
Made of threads
- carcinogenicCauses cancer
- mesotheliomaMalignancy of organ linings
- asbestosisLung scarring from fibers
- hazardousLikely to cause injury
abatement · friable · insulation · fireproof · gaskets · remediation · exposure · regulations
Leaf formation process
- faciesDiagnostic facial appearance
- progradeSame direction as primary
- retrogradeMoving in reverse direction
- hydrationBodily fluid replenishment
dehydration · metamorphism · recrystallization · talc · magnetite · olivine · pyroxene · amphibole
subduction
Plate descending beneath another
- mantleCovering or wrap
- hydrothermalHot water underground
- alterationAct of modifying
tectonics · orogeny · lithosphere · mélanges
green
Color of vegetation
- waxyResembling paraffin's texture
- mottledHaving irregular color patches
- veinedMarked with linear channels
polished · lustrous · smooth · variegated · banded · translucent · decorative · ornamental · carved · cabochon
fibrous
Made of threads
- carcinogenicCauses cancer
- mesotheliomaMalignancy of organ linings
- asbestosisLung scarring from fibers
hazardous · abatement · friable · insulation · fireproof · gaskets · remediation · exposure · regulations · mining
foliation
Leaf formation process
- faciesDiagnostic facial appearance
- progradeSame direction as primary
- retrogradeMoving in reverse direction
hydration · dehydration · metamorphism · recrystallization · talc · magnetite · olivine · pyroxene · amphibole
barren
Unable to produce
chromium · magnesium · biodiversity · California · toxicity
serpentiniteigneous rock
Crystallized molten material
granite · basalt · gabbro · sedimentary rock · limestone