a fine-grained metamorphic rock composed of calcite and chrysotile and usually containing nests, mottles, and streaks of precious serpentine (ophite). Ophicalcite is usually formed as a result of the contact metamorphism of dolomite rocks. Yellow, greenish, or sky blue in color, it has numerous veins and patterns. It is highly attractive when polished and, like colored marble, is used as trimming for building interiors and for various decorative handmade articles. There are ophicalcite deposits in the USSR (in the Caucasus and the Far East), as well as in Italy, China, the USA, Mexico, and other countries.