To my knowledge serpentine is asbestos that has gone threw a metamorphic event..not sure how one would test for asbestos content in the rock...that being said some of the first tests would be scratch test...try scratching with quartz and feldspar, if it is scratched by quartz (7) then try the feldspar(6), also want to see if the sample in turn will scratch the feldspar for (6.5).. try scratcing in two different directions since asbestos still will be influence due to its fiberous makeup ...next test would be specific gravity...last thing is always use plenty of water to work serpentine or actinolite var. nephrite, also maybe a mask..the Canadian OSHA came out with many safty procedures for the jade industry

From Mike C - January 08, 2010 at 18:58:24

Message: 68679