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Serpentinite is a rock composed primarily of serpentine group minerals. These minerals, such as antigorite, chrysotile, and lizardite, are formed through the geological process of serpentinization, which is the hydration and metamorphic transformation of ultramafic rocks. Ultramafic rocks, typically found in the Earth's mantle, are rich in magnesium and iron silicates. When these rocks are exposed to water, often in the presence of tectonic activity and elevated temperatures, the original minerals react to form serpentine minerals and other secondary minerals like magnetite, brucite, and talc.

The color of serpentinite can vary widely, often appearing as green, greenish-black, or gray, sometimes with red or yellow hues due to the presence of iron oxides. Its texture can range from fine-grained and waxy to fibrous. Serpentinite is generally a relatively soft rock and can be easily carved, which has led to its historical use as a decorative stone and for crafting various objects.

In terms of its geological significance, serpentinite formations are important indicators of past tectonic processes, particularly ophiolites, which are remnants of oceanic crust and upper mantle exposed on land. These rocks can also play a role in seismic activity, as the presence of serpentine minerals can affect the frictional properties of faults. Furthermore, serpentinite rocks are of interest in the study of carbon sequestration, as they can react with carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or dissolved in groundwater, potentially storing it in solid carbonate minerals over geological timescales.