Serpentinite is a common lithology in Greece with significant geotectonic and petrogenetic implications, yet its archaeometric study remains limited. This also applies to the Ras serpentinite outcrop on Tinos Island—an enigmatic ancient quarry with no prior documentation of its exploitation. This study aims to provide a holistic provenance analysis and full material characterization to establish a unique fingerprint for future comparative research. A multidisciplinary methodology was applied, including petrography, XRD, FTIR, BET, LA-ICP-MS, electron microprobe analyses, and lichenometry—the latter used to estimate the quarry’s period of activity. The Ras serpentinite consists of a dark-green, brecciated lizardite matrix cut by a pale-green chrysotile network, and notably hosts the first recorded occurrence of minnesotaite in Greece. Relict antigorite within the matrix indicates high-pressure, high-temperature metamorphism preceding a greenschist facies overprint. Geochemical data classify the Ras occurrence as a subduction-related serpentinite derived from a depleted ultrabasic protolith. The aforementioned traits distinguish it from other Greek examples. Lichenometric analysis suggests the quarry was active in the 13th century A.D., with evidence of deliberate extraction techniques. These findings offer valuable insights into archaeometric studies and the provenance of serpentinites in the Aegean.

Early Cycladic culture (third millennium BC) has been a focus of scientific interest since the late 19th century. Our knowledge of Early Cycladic civilization is based primarily on evidence gathered from a substantial number of cemeteries that have been discovered in various parts of the Cyclades. In comparison, excavations of Early Cycladic settlements are few in number. Thus, habitation comprises an essential yet understudied field of research.Despite these limitations, fieldwork as well as material and analytical studies conducted over the period 2000–2017 have contributed to a far better understanding of Early Cycladic habitation patterns. Excavations and/or publications of important sites, such as Chalandriani and Kastri on Syros, Skarkos on Ios, Dhaskalio and Kavos on Keros, Markiani on Amorgos and Korfari ton Amygdalion (Panormos) on Naxos, have revealed significant new evidence regarding the development and character of Early Cycladic civilization.