WHAT IS SERPENTINITE? A bit of geology.
Serpentinite belongs to the group of metamorphic rocks. It is formed through the transformation of oceanic crust rocks—especially strongly basic peridotites—under the influence of high temperatures and pressures in the presence of water. Recrystallization of minerals occurred in the original rock, transforming olivines into serpentines.
Serpentinite stands out with its characteristic grayish-green color. Its coloration is diversified by dark veins and spots, overall giving the impression of snakeskin—from which both its Czech and international names were derived (snake = serpens).
Serpentinites are composed of magnesium and easily release it during transformation. An accompanying feature of serpentinites is also the presence of veins carrying heavy metal ores, particularly copper, nickel, cobalt, and chromium. These veins formed alongside the serpentinites under similar temperature and pressure conditions.
At very high concentrations, the elevated content of magnesium and heavy metals is toxic to most organisms. An extremely high concentration of magnesium carbonate is also critical. This is formed through the transformation and weathering of serpentinites, causing strong alkalinity in serpentinite soils.
Consequently, serpentinites fundamentally influence the composition of plant and animal communities wherever they form the geological bedrock.
The Mnichov serpentinites (Mnichovské hadce) are the largest and highest-altitude serpentinite body in the Czech Republic. Other significant serpentinite areas are located in South Moravia (Mohelno), the Blanský Forest (Křemže serpentinites), Central Bohemia (Dolní Kralovice serpentinites), and the Šumperk region.
