Collection: Serpentine

Serpentine takes its name from the Latin “serpentinus” which means “serpent stone”. It was named so because of its rough appearance reminiscent of the skin of a snake.

This stone has other names such as ophite or ophiolite, derived from the Greek “ophios”, which literally translates snake.

Serpentine has various colors: from colorless to white, gray, brown, beige, black, and even blue. But its best-known color remains olive green.

Serpentine is not a mineral, but a whole family of minerals belonging to the silicate group, subgroup of phyllosilicates. This family has around twenty polymorphs. These polymorphs are found in metamorphic rocks rich in iron, aluminum, manganese, nickel, zinc, calcium and/or magnesium.

It is a relatively difficult stone to identify. Its shine varies between oily, silky and glassy. It has a hardness of 2.5 to 3.5 on the Mohs scale. For comparison, diamond has the highest hardness, 10 on this same scale. We can say that serpentine is relatively fragile.

Serpentine is therefore very rich in trace elements. Its formation takes place during a chemical process between water molecules and peridotite which constitutes the surface layer of the Earth's mantle.

Since Antiquity, serpentine has been known and exploited for its healing properties. In ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, cylinder seals were created due to the properties of serpentine, including its oily appearance. Thus, it did not adhere to the wax or clay on the seals.

The Romans made ornaments with this stone. They also used it against snake bites and to protect against black magic. This stone was known to fight against poison, because upon contact, the glass or serpentine container would break.

In Italy until the Middle Ages, sorcerers were certain that serpentine could extract venom.

In New Zealand, the Maori carved sacred objects of worship from serpentine and gave them the name “Tangiwai” or “tears”.

In Africa, the serpentine symbolizes movement, strength and fertility.

In addition to its many healing properties, serpentine was used to make vases, glasses, and pots where remedies were kept. The serpentine improved the conservation of the preparation it contained.

Since 1965, serpentine has been the official stone of the State of California in the United States.

The main deposits are located in China, Russia, etc.

In Lithotherapy, serpentine has this incredible function of shielding against harmful waves or energies which attack the mind. Thus, it promotes relaxation and meditation by ridding the mind of parasitic thoughts. It reconnects the wearer of this stone to their inner self.

The serpentine helps identify certain blockages linked to past traumas. Thus, it encourages its wearer to move forward, to overcome life's difficulties and to achieve their goals. It reduces nervousness, stress and anxiety. It provides serenity and inner peace.

This incredible olive green stone symbolizes freedom. It helps to become aware of the true meaning of life, to choose one's directions in accordance with oneself and without being influenced by the judgment and views of others.

Serpentine is recommended to overcome pain linked to the loss of a loved one or following a divorce or separation. It reduces stress and brings more fullness. It is excellent in the context of new beginnings in life such as a change of job, a new romantic relationship or a new project.

This stone is an anchoring stone and helps to focus on the present moment. It is ideal for people who are too attached to the past or too focused on the future.