History
- Its name is thought to derive from its snake-green colours. Serpentine is not just a semi-precious stone, but a group of minerals that includes up to 20 different related stones. It is a hydrated Magnesium Silicate. It is usually green, yellow-green or brown-green. Its colour can also be white, yellow-grey and brown-black. Serpentine is veined or speckled and may show a Cat's Eye effect, which may be lighter or darker depending on the viewing angle. It is often confused with Jade because they are very similar in colour and texture.
- There are two basic aggregate structures of Serpentine, which include Antigorite and Chrysotile. Antigorite tends to be more solid than Chrysotile. Chrysotile is a group of Serpentine minerals that can be divided into four different varieties based on crystallisation. The very fine fibrous Chrysotile is one of many types of Asbestos. Asbestos is known to cause "asbestosis". As Asbestos is harmful to our health, only the Serpentine form of Antigorite is used for jewellery. Serpentine minerals are metamorphic alterations of Peridotite and Pyroxene. Serpentine (Antigorite) is often called "precious Serpentine" or "valuable" Serpentine.
Some other well-known and popular related materials include:
- Asbestos: very fine and fibrous Chrysotile Serpentine.
- Bastit: the silky, shimmering pseudomorph Serpentine.
- Bovenite: greenish Serpentine with dense fibres.
- Konemara: a stone composed of Marble and Serpentine.
- Devejlit: Serpentine with traces of Stevensite.
- Garnierit: Nickel-rich green Serpentine mineral.
- Retinalitis: Antigorite Serpentine with a waxy yellow sheen.
- Ricolit: fine-grained Serpentine.
- Satalit: the fibrous Serpentine, which often shows the Cat's Eye effect.
- Serpentinite: a rock composed of Serpentine minerals and traces of Pyroxene, Olivine, Magnetite, Calcite, Dolomite and Amphibole minerals.
- Verde-Antik: dark green Serpentine with white veins of Calcite.
- Williamsit: Oil-green Serpentine with black spots or inclusions.
Medicinal * Metaphysical properties
- Alzheimer's disease, anorexia, cardiac arrhythmia, aura, bulimia, cell regeneration, dementia, diabetes, diarrhoea, eczema, hypoglycaemia, skin, cramps, blood sugar, kidneys, love, meditation, menstrual pain, calmness, muscles, tension, negative energy, negativity, negativity, independence, digestion, detoxification, fear, stress, constipation, confidence, stomach, veins, nervousness, bile...
** The healing and metaphysical properties of the stones listed are compiled from several different sources. The information is provided as a service only and not for the treatment of disease. Moirai.si does not guarantee the full validity of the information provided.
Features of the mineral
| Chemical composition | Mg6[(OH)8lSi4O10] |
Colour | green, yellow, brown |
Hardness (Mohs) | 2.5 – 5.5 |
Specific gravity | 2.44 – 2.62 |
Refractive index | 1.560 – 1.571 |
Origin and sources of the mineral
- Afghanistan, Austria, UK, Canada, China, Cyprus, France, Greece, India, Italy, Korea, Myanmar, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, USA...
Care
- Serpentine is quite soft and brittle. It is sensitive to acid and harsh chemicals and cleaning agents should be avoided. To clean, simply use soapy water and a soft cloth. Be sure to rinse the stone well to remove any soapy residue. As with most gemstones, ultrasonic cleaners and steamers are not recommended. It is best to store stone jewellery and the stones themselves in a cloth-covered box or wrap them in cloth separately from other stones to prevent self-damage and possible scratches.
- It is advisable not to wear jewellery during major physical activities such as exercise or sports. Avoid spraying perfume and hairspray directly on your jewellery and stones.
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Horoscope
- The Twin