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Serpentine is California’s state rock, chosen for its economic benefits and deposits of chromite, magnesite, and cinnabar. It has industrial and decorative uses, but debates have arisen over its asbestos content and potential health risks. Geologists argue that occasional exposure is harmless, while lawmakers and health officials call for it to be declared a carcinogen.
California’s rock state is the Serpentine, and it was officially designated in 1965. California was the first of 50 states to choose a rock state. Serpentine is a dark colored rock with industrial uses and decorative uses that can take on the appearance of jade when dyed. The rock was chosen because it contains the state’s major deposits of chromite, magnesite and cinnabar, along with the economic benefits the rock has brought to California. Debates within the state of California over rock choice began around 2010 due to claims that asbestos in rock is responsible for some types of cancer.
The greenish gray to bluish black rock has a glossy appearance that is waxy to the touch. The rock has a pattern or stripes that mimic a snake’s skin, which is how the rock got its name. Serpentine is often used to create exquisite jewelry or as ornamental decorations in ceramics and artwork. Serpentine rock is also used for industrial purposes such as building materials, railway ballasts, and for electrical insulation. Industrial uses for California state rock have declined due to carcinogens found within the rock.
Serpentine is an ultramafic rock composed of magnesium, silicate and iron oxide minerals. California state rock was formed deep within the earth’s crust when rocks and water were exposed to low temperatures combined with high pressure. In addition to chromite, magnesite and cinnabar, these rocks contain asbestos or asbestos-like fibers. Asbestos fibers are known to be carcinogens, and the US government cannot tell if there are any safe levels of exposure to the fiber.
A heated debate over serpentine rock began in 2010 regarding choice of state rock and health concerns. Because of the asbestos contained in the rock, some legislators and health officials have called for it to be declared the state rock of California. These lawmakers and health officials say there is significant evidence linking the asbestos found within the rock to several cases of cancer found across the state. Geologists argue that the levels and type of asbestos fibers present in the rock are harmless. These geologists also state that occasional exposure does not cause cancer, and cancer is only found in cases where the patient repeatedly breathes in dust particles from broken rock.
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