What on Earth Is Serpentine?

Serpentine is a family of green, waxy-looking minerals, named for its resemblance to snakeskin, and it is widely cut into beads, cabochons and ornamental carvings. It is soft and easy to polish, which makes it a favourite for low-cost jewellery and carving. This guide covers its properties, history and lore; for stock, see our wholesale gemstone beads and tumbled stones.

Serpentine is a collective name for a family of magnesium silicate minerals; the common varieties share a formula of Mg3Si2O5(OH)4.

Serpentine is easy to cut and polish. This and its astonishing pale to dark green shade make the rock a staple material for gorgeous yet low-cost jewelry (pendants, earrings, bracelets, and brooches).

What other features make serpentine stand out from other stones? And why is it named after a shiny and sneaky reptile?

The Physical Properties of Serpentine

Serpentine has several varieties, but the primary ones are antigorite, chrysotile, and lizardite. They are formed through similar processes and share similar physical properties.

Serpentine has a green colour, light to dark green or brown patches, and a signature slippery texture. It is often confused with jade. But a trained eye will easily distinguish serpentine for its distinct translucence and waxy lustre. It has a hardness rating of 3 to 6, making it less tougher than granite and harder than marble.

Serpentine is prone to scratching (even household dust can scratch it!), so it's not a suitable material for mantles, tiles, window sills, and other uses where it's exposed to abrasion or wear. Although the rock makes a good lapidary and jewelry material.

Unlike some stones that polish into a glassy lustre, serpentine produces a waxy lustre when polished.

Did you know that serpentine is also a good insulator? Chrysotile serpentine (a source of asbestos) has fibre-like crystals that resist heat transfer and is used in insulating buildings and vehicles.

But because of the health risks it poses, this variety is placed in a sealed container and is not cut into gemstones.

The History of Serpentine

Where did the mineral get its name? It is called serpentine because of the semblance of its green colour, brown spots, and greasy finish to snakeskin. It is found in Canada, Russia, Switzerland, and the USA.

In Assyrian, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Persian, and Sumerian civilizations, serpentine was used to make seals. The mineral was deemed ideal for such application since it turns oily when polished. The greasy surface keeps the wax or clay from sticking to the seal.

Ancient Romans used serpentine for ornamental purposes and they called the rock lapis atrocious. Today, it is now called ophicalcite and is popularly used as a decorative facing stone.

India's city of Bhera has been using serpentine for carving for centuries. Their artists would carve mugs, sculptures, and decorations out of it.

In 1965, serpentine was declared the official stone of California, USA.

The Lore of Serpentine

Italian sorcerers in the Middle Ages believed that serpentine was an amulet against snakebites. It was also said to protect against poison. Some people believe that it is due to these beliefs that serpentine got its name.

According to legends, there was once a king who had his chalice made of serpentine to protect himself from imminent danger. It's because he believed the chalice would sweat on the outside if a poison were put into his drink.

Serpentine cups were prized for the same reason, as protection against poisoned drinks.

The Metaphysical Properties of Serpentine

In crystal lore, serpentine is traditionally linked with calm and emotional balance. Many people choose it as a reminder to notice what takes away their peace.

It is also traditionally linked with comfort after a falling out with a friend or a messy breakup, and with being open to new relationships.

Facing a transition to a new relationship, career, or investment? Serpentine is traditionally seen as a companion for new beginnings.

In lore it stands for letting go of fear and looking ahead with hope, and for staying focused on your goals.

Speaking of goals, a huge part of success comes from having faith in yourself and your abilities. Serpentine is traditionally linked with self-confidence.

It is traditionally linked with trusting your own strengths and acting on the opportunities in front of you.

Serpentine is also said to awaken a person's kundalini energy. Ancient Eastern traditions describe kundalini as the divine feminine energy that is coiled, like a snake, at the bottom of the spine.

In these traditions, releasing this energy is described as a path to transformation and spiritual freedom.

Some practitioners use a serpentine stone as a focus for this practice, either in meditation or by wearing it as jewellery.

To meditate with the stone:

• Hold it with both hands as you focus on your breathing.
• Relax. Welcome any thoughts that rise to the surface of your consciousness.
• If your mind drifts away, refocus your attention to the present moment.
• Focus on the serpentine stone in your hands.

Continue for as long as you find it enjoyable. This is a simple focusing exercise and a personal practice and a matter of belief.