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Serpentiini is a group of phyllosilicate minerals in the serpentine group. The name derives from the Greek word "serpentis," meaning snake, referring to the characteristic green color and often mottled appearance of many serpentine minerals, which can resemble snakeskin. Serpentine minerals are formed by the hydration and metamorphism of magnesium-rich ultramafic rocks, such as peridotite and dunite. This process, known as serpentinization, involves the alteration of olivine and pyroxene to serpentine, brucite, and magnetite.

The most common serpentine minerals include antigorite, lizardite, and chrysotile. Antigorite and lizardite are platy or lamellar minerals, while chrysotile is fibrous. Chrysotile, also known as white asbestos, has been historically significant due to its heat and electrical resistance, but its use has declined due to health concerns associated with its fibers. Serpentine minerals typically exhibit a greasy to silky luster and a hardness of 2.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale. They are generally opaque to translucent.

Serpentine is found in various geological settings worldwide, often associated with oceanic crust and ophiolite complexes. It is commonly used as an ornamental stone, particularly for countertops and decorative objects, due to its attractive colors and patterns. Historically, some serpentine minerals have been utilized for their refractory properties. The mineral composition and physical characteristics of serpentine can vary depending on the specific mineral type and the conditions of its formation.