Serpentine ore [(Mg, Fe)(3)(OH)(4)Si2O5] has been evaluated as a stationary phase in gas chromatography for the separation of higher hydrocarbons in air. Separations of isobutane, N-butane, cyclohexane and air have been studied using temperature programming. A stainless-steel tube of 1.8 m x 2.0 mm size, packed with 60-80 mesh particles of serpentine ore is used as an analytical column. The separated components are detected using a thermal conductivity detector. Studies reveal that the separation of isobutane, cyclohexane and air mixture is possible using temperature programming in the range 100-150 degrees C at the rate of 30 degrees C min(-I). Isobutane and N-butane could not be separated due to the close retention times. The packed column is successfully applied for the separation of synthetic mixtures of isobutane, cyclohexane and air.