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Minerals
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Mineralogy, Chemistry, Weathering and Application of Serpentinite
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Mineralogy, Chemistry, Weathering and Application of Serpentinite

A special issue of Minerals (ISSN 2075-163X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2024) | Viewed by 5418

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Rafael Navarro

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Guest Editor
IGME-CSIC—Geological and Mining Institute of Spain, 18006 Granada, Spain
Interests: serpentinites; dimension stones; asbestos; mining; mineral resources; geoheritage
Dr. Roberto Visalli

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Guest Editor
Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, 95129 Catania, Italy
Interests: image analysis; microstructural analysis; thermodynamics; GIS; metamorphic petrology; serpentinites; asbestos
Dr. Rosalda Punturo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, 95129 Catania, Italy
Interests: petrography; petrophysics; asbestos minerals; occurrences; nature geomaterials; circular economy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Giovanna Rizzo

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Guest Editor
Department of Sciences, Macchia Romana Campus, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
Interests: magmatic and metamorphic petrography; naturally occurring asbestos; ophiolitic sequence; geomaterials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Serpentinites are rocks that have been thoroughly studied by scholars and researchers from a multitude of perspectives, such as mineralogy, geochemistry, tectonics, and natural resources. This is due to serpentinization being one of the most valuable fluid–rock alteration processes on Earth that enhances crucial roles in various geological processes, such as subduction processes, and provides valuable information about the processes occurring in the Earth's mantle. In addition, it serves a key purpose in the CO2 capture process through natural carbonation reactions, which occur during serpentinization or hydrothermal alterations, and in their potential connection to the origin of life in hydrothermal vents and "black smokers" in mid-oceanic ridges. They are present on almost all continents, forming large massifs and belts. From a natural resources’ standpoint, these rocks have significant prospects as they can form important ore deposits of several metals, such as chromium, nickel, or cobalt, either as lateritic deposits or sulphides or even talc. They were also widely used in the production of asbestos from the mineralization of chrysotile, leading to serious health issues—such as mesothelioma or lung cancer—due to the possible risks associated with their manipulation. On the other hand, their use as ornamental rocks dates back to ancient times. They were highly valued and employed by practically all civilizations, including Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Hindus, Aztecs, and Mayans. Examples of their use can be found in historical buildings all around the world. In Europe, their utilization experienced a boom, especially during the Renaissance, with numerous examples in Spain and Italy. Furthermore, serpentinite is currently one of the most sought-after dimension stones due to its unmatched beauty and is known (incorrectly) as “green marble” in the trade market. For this purpose or for other industrial uses, such as in the aggregates sector or civil engineering, the determination of their mineralogical, geochemical, physical, and mechanical properties becomes crucial due to the high variability in their properties caused by numerous influencing factors.

Therefore, considering the broad spectrum of these rocks in the field of research, this Special Issue is proposed to encompass all types of papers on numerous topics involving serpentinites. This includes their mineralogical and geochemical characterization using novel techniques, the role of serpentinites in regional geological processes, their association with mineral resources, their industrial applications as dimension stones (both historical and current) as well as aggregates, and their connection with health problems arising from their asbestos content.

Dr. Rafael Navarro
Dr. Roberto Visalli
Dr. Rosalda Punturo
Dr. Giovanna Rizzo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Minerals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • serpentinite
  • antigorite
  • lizardite
  • subduction
  • dehydration
  • CO2 storage
  • Ni-Co ores
  • dimension stones
  • heritage
  • green marble
  • asbestos
  • ophiolite

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

24 pages, 38314 KiB  
Article
Multi-Analytical Characterization of Serpentinite Rocks Employed as Stone Material: An Example from Andalusia (Southern Spain), Basilicata, and Calabria (Southern Italy)
by Roberto Visalli, Rafael Navarro, Roberto Buccione, Valeria Indelicato, Giovanna Rizzo, Rosolino Cirrincione and Rosalda Punturo
Minerals 2025, 15(5), 522; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15050522 - 14 May 2025
Viewed by 161
Abstract
Serpentinites are metamorphic rocks constituted primarily by serpentine-group minerals (antigorite, chrysotile, lizardite) resulting from the transformation and low-temperature hydration of previous olivine-rich ultramafic rocks, such as dunite, lherzolite, wehrlite, and harzburgite. The peculiar features of the serpentinites such as the greenish color and [...] Read more.
Serpentinites are metamorphic rocks constituted primarily by serpentine-group minerals (antigorite, chrysotile, lizardite) resulting from the transformation and low-temperature hydration of previous olivine-rich ultramafic rocks, such as dunite, lherzolite, wehrlite, and harzburgite. The peculiar features of the serpentinites such as the greenish color and the intricate vein and mesh-like texture, as well as their role in CO2 sequestration when carbonated, have hugely increased interest in studying these rocks over recent decades. Moreover, since antiquity, serpentinites have long been exploited, traded, and exported worldwide as daily tools, as well as in buildings and decorative stones in both internal and external architectural elements, because of their aesthetic appeal, attractiveness, and durability. In this work, we analyzed and compared petrographic features, geochemical signatures, and physical–mechanical properties of serpentinites from historical quarries from Andalusia (southern Spain), Basilicata, and Calabria (southern Italy) where they have been used as dimension stones in religious and civil buildings and as construction materials. We aim to evaluate and assess differences in petrographic, carbonation, uniaxial compressive strength, and seismic behavior, that could affect the efficiency when these serpentinites are used as either building and construction materials or for preservation/renovation purposes in cultural heritage. Results obtained from petrophysical investigations of serpentinites from these regions highlight that these materials are suitable for use in construction to various extents and are considered a valuable georesource, behind a detailed characterization carried out before their implementation in construction or conservation/restoration of architectural heritage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineralogy, Chemistry, Weathering and Application of Serpentinite)
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14 pages, 3878 KiB  
Article
Direct Aqueous Carbonation of Heat-Activated Lizardite; Effect of Particle Size and Solids Loading on Magnesite Yield
by Ammar Abu Fara, Mark R. Rayson, Geoff F. Brent, Timothy K. Oliver, Michael Stockenhuber and Eric M. Kennedy
Minerals 2025, 15(2), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15020155 - 6 Feb 2025
Viewed by 747
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the effect of particle size and solids loading on the magnesite yield in the direct aqueous mineral carbonation of heat-activated lizardite. Experimentation was conducted under single-step reaction conditions (130 bar partial pressure of carbon dioxide (CO2) [...] Read more.
In this study, we investigated the effect of particle size and solids loading on the magnesite yield in the direct aqueous mineral carbonation of heat-activated lizardite. Experimentation was conducted under single-step reaction conditions (130 bar partial pressure of carbon dioxide (CO2) and 150 °C, with 0.64 M sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and 15 wt% solids) as developed by the Albany Research Center (ARC). The objective of the study was to enhance the understanding of the direct aqueous mineral carbonation process in heat-activated lizardite. Furthermore, we aimed to shed light on how variations in particle size could affect the reaction rate, yield, and the development of protective silica layers. Our experimental data suggest that the extraction of magnesium from finer particles (sub 20 µm) is marginally more effective than from the larger size fractions. This difference likely stems from the larger surface area of fine particles (sub 20 µm) in both low and high solids loading experiments. The highest magnesite yield was 50% after 60 min, and this was achieved for both solids loadings (5 and 15 wt%), demonstrating that the solids loading had no impact on the yield. Our findings indicate rapid heat-activated lizardite reaction within 20 min, which achieved 34% and 40% conversion for 5 wt% and 15 wt% solids loading, respectively. This is followed by declining rates with increasing solids loading. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineralogy, Chemistry, Weathering and Application of Serpentinite)
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13 pages, 6606 KiB  
Article
Serpentinite Applications: Effects of Surface-Ions-Modified Natural Silicate Minerals on Cultivation of Magnesium–Manganese-Enriched Garlics
by Fei Shuo Hung
Minerals 2025, 15(1), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15010062 - 9 Jan 2025
Viewed by 698
Abstract
Serpentinite refers to a group of hydrated magnesium-rich natural silicate rocks. Because serpentinite contains metallic elements and has a layered structure, it can release magnesium ions when immersed in water. Garlic is a widely cultivated crop characterized by a rich chemical composition and [...] Read more.
Serpentinite refers to a group of hydrated magnesium-rich natural silicate rocks. Because serpentinite contains metallic elements and has a layered structure, it can release magnesium ions when immersed in water. Garlic is a widely cultivated crop characterized by a rich chemical composition and many health benefits. Magnesium and manganese are essential nutrients for the human body. In garlic, magnesium stabilizes allicin and prevents its decomposition and release, and manganese promotes polysaccharide metabolism. In this study, serpentinite powder was modified using immersion plating and sintering to improve its crystallinity and ion release capability and enable the cultivation of magnesium–manganese-enriched garlic. An experimental analysis of growth characteristics confirmed the layered structure of serpentinite powder, with sintering effectively reducing impurities and enhancing the powder’s crystallinity and ion release capability. An evaluation of the powder’s specific surface area and ion release capability after surface treatment revealed that Mg-Si-Mn-O sintered at 400 °C for 1 h was the optimal powder for preparing magnesium–manganese ion water. Magnesium–manganese garlic grown with this water contained magnesium and manganese at concentrations of 38–43 and 11–17 mg/L, respectively, and had a higher concentration of allicin and sulfur compounds relative to garlic grown with distilled water. After natural drying, the allicin in the magnesium–manganese-enriched garlic remained stable, and the garlic was found to have a high moisture content. These findings jointly demonstrate the high nutritional value and antioxidant properties of garlic in applications involving serpentinite technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineralogy, Chemistry, Weathering and Application of Serpentinite)
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29 pages, 7954 KiB  
Article
The Evolution of Neoproterozoic Mantle Peridotites Beneath the Arabian–Nubian Shield: Evidence from Wadi Sodmein Serpentinites, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt
by Khaled M. Abdelfadil, Asran M. Asran, Hafiz U. Rehman, Mabrouk Sami, Alaa Ahmed, Ioan V. Sanislav, Mohammed S. Fnais and Moustafa M. Mogahed
Minerals 2024, 14(11), 1157; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14111157 - 15 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1259
Abstract
Serpentinites make up one of the most significant rock units associated with primary suture zones throughout the ophiolite sequence of the Arabian–Nubian Shield. Wadi Sodmein serpentinites (WSSs) represent dismembered parts of the oceanic supra-subduction system in the central Eastern Desert of Egypt. In [...] Read more.
Serpentinites make up one of the most significant rock units associated with primary suture zones throughout the ophiolite sequence of the Arabian–Nubian Shield. Wadi Sodmein serpentinites (WSSs) represent dismembered parts of the oceanic supra-subduction system in the central Eastern Desert of Egypt. In this context, we present whole-rock major, trace, and rare earth elements (REE) analyses, as well as mineral chemical data, to constrain the petrogenesis and geotectonic setting of WSS. Antigorite represents the main serpentine mineral with minor amounts of chrysotile. The predominance of antigorite implies the formation of WSS under prograde metamorphism, similar to typical metamorphic peridotites of harzburgitic protolith compositions. The chemistry of serpentinites points to their refractory composition with notably low Al2O3, CaO contents, and high Mg# (90–92), indicating their origin from depleted supra-subduction zone harzburgites that likely formed in a forearc mantle wedge setting due to high degrees of hydrous partial melting and emplaced owing to the collision of the intra–oceanic arc with Meatiq Gneisses. Spinels of WSS generally exhibit pristine compositions that resemble those of residual mantle peridotites and their Cr# (0.625–0.71) and TiO2 contents (<0.05 wt%) similar to forearc peridotite spinels. Moreover, WSS demonstrates a significant excess of fluid mobile elements (e.g., Th, U, Pb), compared to high-field strength elements (e.g., Ti, Zr, Nb, Ta), implying an interaction between mantle peridotites and fluids derived from the oceanic subducted-slab. The distinct U-shaped REE patterns coupled with high Cr# of spinel from WSS reflect their evolution from mantle wedge harzburgite protolith that underwent extensive melt extraction and re-fertilized locally. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineralogy, Chemistry, Weathering and Application of Serpentinite)
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17 pages, 4298 KiB  
Article
Effect of Solid Ratio and Particle Size on Dissolution of Heat-Activated Lizardite at Elevated Pressures and Moderate Temperatures
by Ammar Abu Fara, Mark R. Rayson, Geoff F. Brent, Timothy K. Oliver, Michael Stockenhuber and Eric M. Kennedy
Minerals 2024, 14(8), 831; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14080831 - 16 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1058
Abstract
This study investigates the effect of the particle size and solid-to-liquid ratio on the dissolution rate of magnesium (Mg) and silicon (Si) in heat-activated lizardite. The investigation was conducted under specific conditions: without the presence of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), at a [...] Read more.
This study investigates the effect of the particle size and solid-to-liquid ratio on the dissolution rate of magnesium (Mg) and silicon (Si) in heat-activated lizardite. The investigation was conducted under specific conditions: without the presence of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), at a moderate temperature (40 °C), and under elevated CO2 pressure (100 bar). The aim was to isolate the dissolution reactions and enhance comprehension of the factors constraining the overall yields in the Albany Research Center (ARC) mineral carbonation process. Our study disclosed two distinct dissolution regimes: an initial stage with a rapid initial rate of Mg extraction, resulting in the fraction of Mg extracted ranging from 30 to 65% during the first 20 min of the experiment, following which the dissolution rate decreases dramatically. The initial rapid dissolution stage is primarily driven by the low pH of the supernatant solution, resulting from CO2 dissolution, leading to a higher concentration of protons that extract Mg2+ cations. However, as the heat-activated lizardite dissolution progresses, the pH increases due to the high level of leached Mg2+, and a diffusion barrier forms due to the precipitation of amorphous silica. This phenomenon ultimately slows down the mineral’s dissolution rate during the latter stages of particle dissolution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mineralogy, Chemistry, Weathering and Application of Serpentinite)
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