Serpentine Crystal: Meaning, Healing Properties, Benefits and Uses
As the name itself suggests, Serpentine stone has the appearance almost of a snake with its mysterious green, blackish or greyish hues. They often seem like fine-grained mixtures and are tricky to detect in a stone. Serpentine gemstones are made from minerals formed during the serpentinization process, which is a metamorphic process that occurs at cold temperatures. Surprisingly Serpentine also has several healing properties, uses, and benefits that we shall look at in detail in this article.
Table of Contents
What is Serpentine Crystal?
Serpentine stone is a deep green crystal that is spotted irregularly. It is derived from hydrated magnesium silicate and looks like the skin of a snake. Serpentine group crystals share comparable biological properties and shapes. They come in various shades, including soft pale green, grayish green, brown, yellow, and greenish white. The inside of the stones sometimes reflects layers or groups of small, eye-catching white cloud patterns.
Less frequently found serpentine species are the ones that range from yellow-green to clear-green. Some pieces are multi-colored with brown, light-green to green, or yellow-green clusters inside. The hardness scale for serpentine ranges from 2.5 to 5. Olivine (peridot), orthopyroxene, and other secondary minerals combine to form serpentine. The mineral can be found in antigorite and chrysotiles, which are its two basic types. Chrysotile, which is the material that gives rise to asbestos, is fibrous, while antigorite is flaky.
How to Identify a Serpentine?
Physical characteristics are the prime factors to identify anything, including Serpentine stones. The most noticeable physical attributes of the serpentine stone are its greenish color, patterned form, and smooth surface feel. Along with these key physical elements, other factors are also important for identifying a serpentine stone, such as density, hardness, and luster.
Serpentine Cuts and Shapes
Serpentine cuts or Serpentine shapes are the commonly used terms for gemstones created by cutting or shaping the stone in particular forms. One can make many different beautiful gemstones from serpentine.
Most frequently, it is shaped into cabochons and beads. They typically display a variety of green, yellow, and black shades, and they commonly have fascinating elements of magnetite, chromite, or any other minerals.
Where is Serpentine Found?
Serpentine is most commonly found where oceanic plates meet the mantle, as this creates the hydrothermal conditions most favorable to serpentine mineral formation. Large deposits of serpentine can be found in Russia’s Ural Mountains, around Greece and Cyprus, as well as in mountainous regions of New Zealand, Austria, France, Italy, and the United States.
Although serpentine can occasionally be found in igneous rocks, it is more frequently found in serpentinites, which are the result of the modification of olivine-bearing rocks. The majority of these specimens have a grayish-green color, which they transmit to the rock layers where they are found.
There are also serpentine rocks of other colors; these are the ones that are used in jewelry the most. Bowenite is a yellowish-green serpentine variety that resembles jadeite and is found in China, New Zealand, and the United States.
China, Italy, and the United States are home to a deep green range with tiny black splotches inside known as Williamsite. Other serpentine varieties can be found in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Korea, China, and the United States.
Serpentine Crystal Meaning
Serpentine has the power to realign the entire chakra system and catalyzes the implementation of new life paths. Serpentine is said to help people connect with spiritual beings and has a special connection to nature. Therefore, experts often advise meditating outside to benefit from Serpentine’s earthen channeling effect.
Additionally, you must consider the surrounding life force energy as you work to raise your consciousness. It is believed that everyone is linked to the spiritual energy that can be activated at any time.
Serpentine minerals work in harmony with your heart chakra and help you achieve your deepest aspirations. This will improve your capacity for love and the expression of compassionate feelings. Serpentine minerals help you let go of pointless emotions that might feel stuck to you or bonded to it.
If you still believe you were treated unfairly, it will be very challenging to let go of these emotions. Serpentine minerals will dissolve these clinging emotions. All of the efforts will be worthwhile when the burden has been lifted because of the relief. Before you can start extending love to others, you must first learn to love yourself.
Serpentine Meaning in Ancient Lore and History
Georgius Agricola (Georg Bauer) named the serpentine gemstone, or “precious serpentine,” in 1564 from the Latin “Serpens” because of its discolored and mottled skin appearance that closely resembles a serpent or snake. It has also been known by several trade names, including Teton Jade and false Jade. Serpentine can be mistaken for verdite, onyx marble, turquoise, and jade, though serpentine is typically spotted or veined.
Serpentine is primarily used in modern times as a décor stone or for objects with decorative elements. Serpentine gemstones have been used historically as a source of magnesium, in asbestos, and for carvings and personal adornment. Even in ancient architecture, multiple serpentine substances have been used.
In the past, people believed that serpentine could treat venom. To guard against poisoning or snakebites, people used serpentine amulets. According to a legend, a king demanded that his cask be made of serpentine. This was because it was considered that if poison had been added, the serpentine would heat up on its exterior.
Additionally, it was thought that drinking a medication from a serpentine vessel improved its effectiveness. On the other hand, Serpentine stone has primarily been used to sculpt ornaments or decorative items, as is typical in Chinese art. It was common to find intricate vases made of one piece of stone with chains hanging from them.
Serpentine Healing Properties
The Serpentine stone retains some wonderful qualities. It has a connection to Mother Earth and can release any information about its origins, the planet, its past, present, and future. This stone can help us comprehend and heal Mother Earth as she undergoes her transformation. The Earth’s healers frequently use it to support them in their work.
Consequently, using this stone can help you feel more grounded. The Serpentine rock’s Earth association also fosters a connection with other elemental energies, such as Fairies, other Nature Devic energies, the Animal Kingdom, etc.
Serpentine is a stone that brings you down to earth and also opens new channels for Kundalini energy. It supports spiritual exploration and meditation. Serpentine helps in wisdom retrieval and in regaining memory of previous lives.
It also opens psychic abilities by clearing the chakras and activating the crown chakra. Serpentine can help in the conscious focus of healing energy on trouble spots. You will feel more in control of your life as it corrects mental and emotional imbalances.
Moreover, Serpentine is used to treat hypoglycemia and diabetes. It helps the body absorb calcium and magnesium and gets rid of parasites. Serpentine is a powerful blood and body detoxifier.
Serpentine Metaphysical Properties
One of the most important attributes of the Natural Green Serpentine stone is its metaphysical properties. The stone has potent power, which helps in raising the Kundalini energies, which are desired by many seekers of spirituality and spirītual attainments.
Kundalini Energy: The Kundalini is dormant energy that is said to rest, like a Snake, coiled at the base of the spine, till aroused. Raising Kundalini energies to the Crown Chakra is a difficult feat. Many spiritual seekers devote years to practicing various physical and mental exercises that will cause their Kundalini energies to rise.
The Serpentine rock helps to awaken and raise Kundalini energies, which when they finally reach the Crown Chakra, produce awareness, spiritually transcendent perceptions, and otherworldly perceptions. The stone is a tool that can be used in a variety of ways to accomplish this.
However, to use the Serpentine stone successfully and properly for this purpose, the user should conduct more comprehensive studies and research on Kundalini energy.
Serpentine is thought to help one in taking charge of their lives. According to metaphysical theories, serpentine offers a clearing of the mind to more effectively support meditation. Serpentine is thought to stimulate the crown chakra and the chakras’ most obscured zones, promoting spiritual enlightenment and physical attributes.
Serpentine Benefits
The Serpentine Stone, which is widely available, has some remarkable abilities. The healing powers of the serpentine stone have been used for centuries. Those who have had personal experience with the metaphysical and spiritual qualities of the natural Green Serpentine stone have commended them. When worn or carried on one’s own, it is extraordinary for its ability to heal on an external, spiritual, emotional, and intellectual level.
- Serpentine is very beneficial in expelling fear and shedding the old skin or old self, similar to what a snake can do. It encourages becoming a new version of oneself.
- With the help of the serpentine gemstone, attracting and manifesting your desires becomes simple.
- The Serpentine rock is a strong motivating factor that draws wealth, love, and all other positive things into your life when you wear it or use it.
- It is a powerful stone that eliminates negative thoughts, attitudes, and energies, as well as fears of the unexplainable or the coming years. It also balances depressive episodes and encourages us to concentrate solely on the optimistic to achieve the greatest outcomes.
- According to lore, serpentine rock relieves abdominal cramps and anxiety, treats heart problems, and cures illnesses related to the kidneys and respiratory system.
- Serpentine quartz is thought to have the ability to treat blood sugar levels and impaired glucose tolerance because of its effectiveness in blood-purifying features.
- The serpentine stone soothes eczema, skin irritation, varicose veins, and parasite removal, helps in absorbing calcium and magnesium, improves muscle strength, and helps avoid serious injury.
- Serpentine is a heart-healing stone that soothes emotional hurt, regret, etc.
- Serpentine is a reputed stone for cleansing the chakras because of its healing properties, which include purifying all of the body’s chakras.
- Serpentine energy can help spiritual aspirants awaken dormant Kundalini energies, which, when awakened, can lead to spiritual awakening and understanding and, for the seeker, is a significant accomplishment.
- Serpentine energy can help spiritual aspirants awaken undiscovered Kundalini strengths, which, once awakened, can lead to spiritual enlightenment and awareness. This is a notable achievement for the aspirant.
- Opening the Crown Chakra and fostering spiritual communication and comprehension can grant psychic abilities.
- Serpentine power establishes a protective guard around your body, shielding you from lower wavelengths.
- Serpentine is a symbol of self – determination. It enables you to approach life with optimism, be more outgoing, and open up to new people.
- It eases agitated energies and minimizes your sensitivity to negative comments or actions directed at you and your response to them.
- Serpentine stone can help you find your core because it has a strong connection to the earth.
Serpentine & Feng Shui
The Chinese characters “feng,” which means wind, and “shui,” which means water, can be used to decipher the meaning of feng shui. The idea comes from an ancient poem about human existence being linked to and flowing with its surroundings.
The Serpentine Stone is one of the key elements used for the Chinese Feng Shui practice. Feng Shui uses serpentine, which is thought to help foster a sense of tranquility. If you want to use serpentine for feng shui, put it in the middle of your house or workplace.
Alternatively, you can put it in your office or home’s wealth area to attract wealth. And to encourage a sense of tranquility, you can also carry a piece of serpentine or wear jewelry made from it.
Serpentine Birthstone
Those born under the Virgo, or Virgin, a sign of the zodiac can use the serpentine gemstone as their intellectual lucky charm. People born in the month of November can use the Serpentine birthstone as their charm.
Serpentine Chakras
The body’s energy centers, or Chakras, and the Meridians, can be cleared with natural, green serpentine rough stone. The energy flow through the body gets hampered if there are obstructions in the chakras. These can lead to multiple physical, psychological, and emotional issues.
When meditated upon, held in the hand, or even simply by keeping the stone nearby, the serpentine gemstone is believed to remove blockages from the Chakras. Serpentine stone chakra stimulation opens up the Crown Chakra, promoting spiritual growth, interaction with the spiritual worlds, and spiritual awareness.
It is impressive that the Serpentine Stone has become so well-known for use in spiritual practice. This is because it enables one greater emphasis on the positive aspects of one’s life by drawing out all critical thoughts and feelings. Even keeping the stone close by will benefit meditation. It can neutralize tense situations as well. For example, you can keep one on your desk at work.
What are the Uses of Serpentine?
In modern days, apart from healing, the Serpentine stone is used in a few different ways. Let us have a look at them:
Architecture and Design
For thousands of years, serpentine has been used in construction. It is widely available in various shades of green, and greenish tones frequently have an alluring pattern, work easily, and polish to a nice luster. Due to its low hardness, surfaces that won’t be exposed to abrasive particles or wear are the main contenders for its use. For example, facing stone, wall panels, mantles, and window sills.
In the first half of the 20th century, serpentine was widely used in the United States, but it is now less common. The decline in popularity is partially attributed to concerns about worker protection and the prospective presence of asbestos in the stone.
Sculptures
Serpentine stones of certain varieties can be sculpted into beautiful works of art. It is preferred that the material be translucent, fine-grained, and have a consistent texture free of voids and breaks. Since it is relatively soft, serpentine is simple to carve. It also takes a good polish.
Serpentine sculptures can be as small as one centimeter or as tall as several meters. Artists working with serpentine even sometimes create bowls, vases, desk accessories, clock bases, miniatures of mythological beasts, gods, and supernatural elements, as well as busts and shrines.
Asbestos
Some serpentine species have a fibrous disposition. These fibers resist heat transfer, do not burn, and are excellent insulators. Chrysotile, a serpentine mineral, is widespread, easily mined, and can be processed to retrieve fibers with high heat resistance.
Chrysotile and other asbestiform-habiting serpentine minerals have long been used as insulators. They were easily accessible, practical in their uses, and cheap to produce. They were present in the majority of structures and vehicles by the middle of the 20th century. Numerous other typical building supplies and appliances, including stoves, paint, flooring, shingles, facing material, and wall and ceiling tiles, were also made from them.
Caring for Serpentine
On the MOH scale, serpentine falls between 2 and 5. The MOH scale evaluates the relative hardness of the mineral. This is based on how resistant it is to scratching. Serpentine stone is thus relatively soft and susceptible to damage. Caring for Serpentine stone is an important task, considering how sensitive it is. However, nothing is too tedious.
Keep your jewelry made of serpentine separate from other gemstones when not in use. By doing this, you will help prevent the chips and scratches that can occur when softer stones like quartz or diamond come into direct contact with them. Serpentine should be kept in a jewelry box with a fabric interior or wrapped in a soft cloth for storage.
Additionally, to prevent possible chipping, scratching, and breaking, avoid wearing serpentine jewelry while doing any intense workouts or household chores. It’s possible that a serpentine pendant or wristband might even get wet at a certain point if you wear them. This is acceptable, but after using the item, make sure that you dry it off with a clean cloth.
If you are cleaning the serpentine stone, there are some important things you should keep in mind. It should only be cleaned carefully because of how soft and delicate it is. If you are cleaning a Serpentine stone, you should never clean it with acids, chemicals, or cleaners because they could damage it.
Instead, only use warm running water. Also, to prevent any scratches, always gently pat the stone dry. Once it is cleaned, make sure the stone is completely dry because even a little moisture can harm it. Furthermore, it is very particularly prone to stains and must be sealed with a penetrating sealer to avoid lasting stains.
When to Cleanse Serpentine?
All crystals require cleaning; however, it can be a tough task to determine when to clean them, especially when dealing with soft crystals such as Serpentine.
Your Serpentine stones should be cleaned because they absorb negative energies. When you use your crystal to do healing work, it acts as a lint roller. To ensure that the roller keeps functioning at its best, you must eventually clear it of lint.
If you are actively using it for healing sessions, you should clean it regularly. After each session, you should cleanse the energy of your stones, whether you are working on a client, a friend, or yourself.
However, if you use your crystals for healing casually, you won’t need to clean them as frequently. You could plan to do something regularly, such as once per month, once per week, or once per season.
It doesn’t matter if you wear your gemstones as jewelry or use them as decorative accents—this rule still applies. This is because, in these situations, you are not actively directing the crystal’s energy toward healing work.
How to Recharge Your Serpentine
To get the most out of your crystals, you should charge them regularly, and there are several ways to do so. According to experts, there are nine different crystal charging techniques to consider for the serpentine activation process.
- Putting them under the full moon.
The full moon is a powerful point in the lunar cycle, and it also works miracles for clearing and charging crystals, including Serpentine. To charge your Serpentine stone with lunar energy, all you need to do is, leave it outside throughout a full moon night.
- Charge them up with your breath.
Serpentine can also be cleared with your breath. You must empty your mind of all outside thoughts before you can use your breath to clear the stone. Afterward, while still holding the crystal in one hand, quickly wave your other hand over it with a forceful exhalation.
- Connect them to your spirit guides.
You can associate your crystals with any deities or spiritual guides you are using. You can spend some time in prayer or meditation, asking your guides to connect with your Serpentine and your purpose for them.
- A purifying visualization.
Using a visualization method to charge your stone is the final step. Imagine a vast, healing light enveloping your Serpentine crystal, filling it until all of the old energy has been eliminated. As it grows, you can see it filling your hands and surrounding the stone. Make a wish for the stone to be cleansed and dissolved of all negativity. You can stop the visualization once you feel that the stone has been cleansed and charged.
How much is Serpentine worth?
The serpentine stone is one of the affordable crystals and won’t be heavy on your pocket. What determines the Serpentine’s price and value is its availability. Since it is found in abundance, serpentine value is well below $1 per carat.
Serpentine represents a more creative application of asbestos in terms of value. When cut into cabochons and used for jewelry, its value in solid form won’t fetch high prices either.
Small serpentine gemstones cut into round shapes can sell for between $8 and $10, which is a very reasonable price for a test piece. A bracelet, for example, can cost as much as USD 70 in some jewelry shops.
Serpentine Impact
The ancient historical legends are abundant about the benefits of crystals in general and the Serpentine impacts. However, these effects have no scientific research backing them up. Additionally, enthusiasts of crystal therapy love to use them for multiple purposes and even promote crystal healing and acquire benefits from them. Since there is no legitimate study to certify their impacts, it is advisable not to depend on Serpentine stone completely.
Does Serpentine make a good jewelry stone?
Serpentine jewelry is popular among jewelry and gemstone collectors. However, for a beginner, determining whether Serpentine stones are suitable for jewelry purposes can be difficult. The answer is yes, they are.
Serpentine comes in many different varieties, all of which are very soft and easily carvable. Household dust can scratch materials up to a hardness of 6, including bowenite. But these precious stones will work well as pendants, brooches, and earrings. Keep in mind that they will require protective settings if used as ring stones. Also, save wearing serpentines for special occasions only as they are prone to damage.
Serpentine Real vs Fake
Fake serpentines are frequently available in markets these days. Identifying the real ones from the fake ones is not that difficult. Following are some factors that you can take into account when trying to identify the right one for you:
- Serpentine is an elementary magnesium silicate, and many specimens also contain iron.
- Other elements, such as chromium, nickel, and cobalt, may also be present in trace amounts.
- Depending on their exact composition, serpentine rocks typically range from transparent to translucent to opaque, with hardness ratings between 2.5 and 5.5.
- Serpentine is relatively soft and light, with a specific gravity (density) ranging from 2.44 to 2.62, which is a little lower than quartz.
- It can have a silky, waxy, or greasy sheen.
- Although they can occasionally be mistaken for each other, nephrite is much tougher, harder, and has a less greasy luster.
Conclusion
Serpentine is a valuable gemstone that you can include in your collection if you keep one. It can be incorporated into your jewelry collection because of its significant capacity to disseminate bitterness and bring positivity into your life. In general, it needs flexible gems to succeed.
Serpentine can have lovely effects on your career, relationships, and knowledge to maintain stability in the face of unfavorable spirits from others. You can create a barrier between your heart and the depressing forces while still maintaining a sufficient amount of decisive energy to power your system by using the Serpentine gemstone. It is the perfect gem for instantly changing your destiny.
Summary of Serpentine Crystal
Name of Crystal | Serpentine |
Precious | No |
Semi-Precious | No |
Other Names | New Jade, Teton Jade |
Origin(s) | China, Afghanistan, New Zealand, USA, South Africa, and England |
Color(s) | Spotted transparent to translucent green |
Formation | Oxidization of ultramafic rocks |
Majorly Found at | Russia, Greece, France, Italy, US, New Zealand |
Zodiac Suited for | Virgo, Gemini |
Chakra | Crown Chakra |
Crystal Meaning | Known as a stone of independence it helps you to confidently move forward with a positive attitude, be more social, and embrace new people in life |
Types of Crystal | Chrysotile, Antigorite, Lizardite |
Healing Properties | Balances mental and emotional issues |
Health Benefits | Helps with stomach cramps, tension, kidney pains, diabetes, and skin diseases |
Uses | Protects from negative vibrations, used in architecture and sculptures |
Goes in Water? | No |
Goes in Salt Water? | No |
Goes in Rain Water? | No |
Goes in Moon Water | No |
Moh’s Scale | 2-5 |
Real | Greenish patterned and smooth surface. gravity (density) ranges from 2.44 to 2.62 |
Fake | It may be made from glass |
FAQs
What is Serpentine used for?
Serpentine Stone’s uses are diverse. In modern days, they are used in several constructions, including railways, and for sculptures and jewelry as well. In ancient days, the uses were based on folklore beliefs of the time. While the Chinese used this stone for meditation and a particular practice called Feng Shui, people of other parts used it for jewelry and thought of it as a cure for poison.
What is Serpentine stone good for?
The Serpentine stone is good for carvings and shapings due to its low hardness. It is used for making statues, sculptures, and jewelry of many kinds. According to metaphysical principles, serpentine is effective at clearing the mind to support meditation. It stimulates the crown chakra and clears fogged areas of the chakras.
Why is Serpentine toxic?
According to studies, the Serpentine stone is toxic. The major reason for this is that serpentine contains the fatal mineral chrysotile asbestos, a known carcinogen from which exposure raises the probability of mesothelioma cancer.
Is gold found in Serpentine?
Gold is most frequently discovered in quartz rock. However, serpentine stone does not contain quartz veins containing gold.
What chakra is Serpentine?
Serpentine is associated with the Heart Chakra and is thought to be beneficial in balancing and opening this chakra. The heart chakra, which is situated in the middle of the chest, is linked to feelings of compassion, love, and healing. One experiences a sense of calmness, peace, and self-love when this chakra is balanced.
How do I activate Serpentine stone?
The Serpentine can be activated with your intention after being cleansed and charged. To activate Serpentine, hold the stone in your hand and think about your specific intent for the stone. Then, affirm your intention aloud or in your mind. When stating their actual intent for the stone, some people like to hold the object close to their hearts.