The Rockery - Serpentine
Richards Mountain Pages


Serpentine Serpentine
Locations : Lizard Penininsula (Cornwall)
This rock was once part of the Earths mantle, until Gonwanaland (Africa + S America) bumped into the fledgling England, causing the rock to erupt to the surface and form the Lizard Peninsula. This particular chunk (left) is a giant pebble (2ft across) seen on the beach at Kennack.

The rock has been cherished for centuries, and has been quarried for use as an alternative to marble. These days quarrying is no longer economic, but the small scale production of ornaments continues. Polished serpentine artifacts can be readily obtained from all of the dozen or so tourist shops at Lizard village.

This rock comes in many different guises with an infinite variation of patterning on both the red and the green varieties. Budding artists and designers are well advised to visit the area for inspiration, I've included some variations below to get you started.

back to the rockery