All about stone serpentine

Serpentine is often confused with jade, but in fact they have many differences. This unusual name of the mineral was due to its color and resemblance to reptiles, since some of the mined specimens have a surface, as if covered with snake skin.

The serpentine stone was highly valued by the Aztecs. Today it is a fairly common mineral and although green coloring is most common, the stone can also be greenish black, red, brownish red, brownish yellow, yellow and white. For centuries, this mineral has been associated with snakes. He was actively used and used in black magic.

The color of the serpentine (coil) depends on the place of origin of the mineral. This group contains about 20 related minerals with 2 different specific types of formation: anti-burning and chrysotile. The first stone is hard, the second has a fibrous structure.

• Chrysotile in fact, a kind of asbestos, which is a very dangerous mineral, causing serious respiratory problems during the inhalation of its dust. For this reason, this mineral is not used as an ornament or amulet.

• Antigorite Serpentine - relatively soft stone, which has a brilliant green surface. This color is due to the presence in the composition of substances such as chromium, cobalt and magnesium silicate in the base. Its color can vary from translucent to opaque. Mages consider that a translucent stone has a stronger effect on the human psyche, while an opaque one - on the material world.

The coil always looks different. Its shade can be very light or saturated. Some specimens from the side are very similar to jade. Experienced geologists easily recognize where a stone is, based on the characteristics of minerals.

Serpentine is not one mineral, but a large group of stones with a common chemical formula. Among the main varieties that are included in this group, it is worth to highlight the following stones.

• Bovenit It is not very bright green and translucent. When mining is sometimes found minerals with a yellow or blue tint. This stone has another name - tanguevit. Its main distinguishing feature is high hardness.

• Williamsit. It has a beautiful low tide, which in hue is a cross between blue and green. Shades are found light and dark, the stone is translucent.

• Ricolith. Very bright mineral, on the surface of which stripes are clearly pronounced. During mining, yellow and gray specimens of the stone are found.

• Vernantitis. The stone is of amazing dark green color with shiny veins, which are inclusions of calcite.

• Nigressitis. This type of serpentine has the darkest color: rarely, but sometimes there are instances of almost black color.

• Retinolite. In the rocks you can find a stone not only green, but also honey, yellow flowers. Mineral distinguishes resinous shine.

Chrysotile, antigorite and lizardite are the three main serpentine minerals. The remaining species are quite rare.

Serpentine minerals have similar physical properties and are formed through similar processes. They are often found in the form of fine-grained impurities and can be difficult to distinguish inside the rock. Geologists usually refer to these minerals as serpentines, rather than more specific names, in order to simplify identification.

These minerals are formed at the sites of peridotite and dunite, with subsequent hydrothermal metamorphisms. Ultramafic rocks rarely appear on the surface of the earth, but are abundantly present at the bottom of the oceans, or rather, at the boundary between the base of the oceanic crust and the upper mantle. Where the ocean plate sinks into the mantle, minerals undergo hydrothermal metamorphism.

In hydrothermal metamorphism, olivine and pyroxene are converted to serpentine. Some of the rocks produced here are almost entirely composed of serpentine minerals.

Vast areas of the earth’s surface are covered with serpentinites. These areas are found near current or ancient plate boundaries. These are places where fragments of the oceanic plate rise above the surface. Such areas are sources of the following minerals:

• magnetite;

• chromite;

• chrysoprase;

• nephritis;

• serpentine.

The most obvious physical characteristics of serpentine are its noble green color, patterned appearance and smoothness. Serpentine is also known for its translucent structure, waxy luster, ease of cutting. It can be easily polished.

This stone has a unique heat capacity: it first takes heat, and then gives it off evenly. It can resist heat transfer, making it a valuable insulator.

Serpentine is mined in a large number of places around the world, including in Australia, Great Britain, Russia (the Urals), Norway, Italy, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Brazil. Serpentine chrysotile is found mainly in Canada. In the Russian city of Asbest once was one of the largest serpentine mines.

The serpentine has a wide scope of application: it is not only an excellent talisman in magic, but also an excellent stone for arranging a bath, since it first takes heat and then gives it away. Serpentine has been used as an architectural material for thousands of years. It has a wide palette of colors, it is easy to work with, and after polishing the desired shine is achieved.

Mohs hardness ranges from 3 to 6, depending on the chemical composition of the mineral. To make, for example, a statuette, it is necessary to make less effort than in the case of granite, however, the strength of this stone is better than even marble. Serpentine was popular in the United States in the first half of the 20th century; today it is used less often as a finishing material. The decline in popularity is partly due to concerns about safety with the possible content of asbestos in stone.

Sly merchants often offer serpentine souvenirs disguised as jade. However, the healing and magical properties of these stones differ significantly. Rarely, but you can still find in the market serpentinite marble, in fact, to use this name is wrong. Marble and serpentine are different minerals.

Some varieties of serpentine have a fibrous structure, they have good resistance to heat transfer, do not burn and are excellent insulators. That is why stone was often used to create special building fibers. It was widely available because it was inexpensive but showed high efficiency as an insulator.

In the middle of the 20th century, material could be found in the construction of most buildings and even vehicles. This mineral was used for the manufacture of wall and ceiling tiles, flooring, tiles, cladding material, insulation of pipes, furnaces, paint and many other common building materials.

Attractive serpentine can be cut into pieces of various shapes. Most often it is cut into cabochons and beads. Such products do not have a uniform green hue, they show green, yellow and black inclusions.

Serpentine is used as an ornamental stone, it is easy to process, it is easy to polish it. As a result of hard work, amazingly beautiful products are obtained. Wax shine is what primarily attracts in a mineral, after it has been processed.

However, serpentine has some problems with durability. That is why the stone is rarely found in rings or bracelets, since one good blow can split it. Most often it is used in earrings, brooches or pendants.

Some types of mineral can be used to create stone sculptures. It is preferable to choose for work fine-grained translucent material with a uniform texture, without voids and fractures. The stone is relatively soft and easily cut. Sculptures are small and up to several meters in height. Bowls, vases, desk sets, clocks, animal figurines, fruits, flowers, deities, busts and statues are all objects made by artists from the material described.

Separately, I want to say about the use and value of the mineral in magic. Snakes with which he is actively associated are often considered the forerunners of evil in Western culture, but this does not mean that serpentine is a bad stone. In fact, it is one of the most frequently used stones for detecting evil and protecting against bad luck or intentional negative influence.

His energy is not aimed at removing the negative inside a person, it creates a protective shell around him, thanks to which the negative is reflected from the aura. This is especially important if you often come across people who are negatively opposed to you. The stone is able to destroy the curses sent.

It has a stone and healing properties, doctors have long known about its ability to relieve headaches. Wearing a coil on the body contributes to the rapid healing of fractures, lowering blood pressure. Stone advised to give children as a talisman and activator of internal strength and energy. It helps to concentrate on the main thing. Memory starts to work better with a coil.

The considered mineral belongs to the elements of the Earth, therefore it does not suit every sign. According to astrologers, with some people it does not manifest itself, while with others it can manifest itself quite brightly.

• Best coil combined with the energy of the Virgin. A little bit shy representatives of this sign, the stone helps to discover new talents in itself, sharpens intuition and awakens inspiration.
• The mineral will not resonate with the energetics of Capricorns, with which the amulet will give them the endurance and dexterity they need in life.
• But it is better for Pisces not to wear talismans with a serpentine, since the stone will lead them to temptation, before which representatives of the sign will not be able to resist. This will destroy the inner world of Pisces, will lead to degradation.
• Aries, who are very gullible by nature, must necessarily have a serpentine as an amulet or as part of a decoration, since it will enable them to recognize in advance the lying people around. From birth, representatives of the fire element have a powerful energy, the stone will not suppress it, but it will make the character more calm and balanced. This is exactly what Aries sometimes lack, which constantly suffer from their impulsiveness, rudeness and nervousness.
• If Taurus wants to change his life for the better and become more open, then serpentine will be a good helper for him in this. He will give clarity of mind and it will immediately become clear - who is suitable for friendship, and whom it is better to keep away from himself. The talisman has a positive effect on health, and it inhibits the desire to take risks.
• Gemini differs in self-doubt, the mineral will help them to become more perfect, to make new friends. There is enough courage for new accomplishments, old views will go to the background.
• The coil and the Lions will make it more confident, it will give them the necessary endurance of character and firmness. The energy of the mineral helps to concentrate its own energy, inherent in representatives of this sign, on the specific task.
• Success and luck will come to the Sagittarius, who will buy a decoration with serpentine, Libra will finally establish itself in his opinion, become more stable, the mineral will open to Scorpios for new challenges.

Astrologers do not recommend wearing a stone as part of jewelry on yourself all the time, it is enough several times a week, especially if it is a pendant or any other product that comes into contact with the body. Turning to the strength of the mineral, you need to know exactly what is required of it, otherwise its energy can be detrimental, not good.

Such a talisman is ideal for all people whose activities are related to medicine. Patronizes the mineral to women with the names of Hope, Love, as well as representatives of the strong half of humanity with the name Alexey, but it cannot be presented as a gift, because the stone is always attached to someone who acquires it and can regard this behavior as a betrayal.

Energy coil is so strong that it can negatively affect the former carrier, even at a distance. Passing the mineral can only be inherited. He will give exactly as much care as the owner gives the stone. It is very good to have a box made of serpentine at home, it will be an excellent storage for other decorations.

Despite the fact that serpentine is mined everywhere, so it is not a rare mineral, unscrupulous jewelry dealers are trying to save even on it. If you do not want to be disappointed in the purchase and find out that a plastic copy is used in the decoration, you need to know how to distinguish natural stone from a fake.

• Not the best way to check - scratch the mineral, because due to its softness, a trace will remain on the surface, even if you have a natural stone. It is better to assess its weight, since the plastic is different in that it does not sink and is light.
• Blotches, strips - Another distinctive feature of the coil.
• You can simply attach the mineral to the surface of the skin. If it is natural, it will not immediately become warm, while the plastic product will quickly take on body temperature.

Any decoration, if properly cared for, will delight with its attractive appearance for a long time.Serpentine is quickly scratched, so wear it during operation should not be, because any mechanical effect will lead to the product losing its attractiveness. To clean, simply rinse the mineral under running water without the use of chemicals. If you want to wipe the stone, then you should take a soft cloth, but it is better to just put it on a towel so that it dries.

About features of a stone look further.