Serpentine

Serpentine is a metamorphic rock. It was formed when water from magmas metamorphosed previous igneous or sedimentary rocks. Serpentine is a magnesium silicate mineral. Serpentine has a hardness of about 3, but usually takes a high polish. It ranges in color from pale yellow to forest green and is found in dense granular or fibrous masses. It can have streaks or blotches of gray, black, yellow, red, or white, due to various impurities. Serpentine is found in many coutries including the US, South Africa, Brazil, and the Philippines. Serpentine is a softer stone and usually takes a very nice polish.

Serpentine is said to owe its name either to its serpent-like colors and patterns or from an old belief that the stones were effective protection from snake bites.

Metaphysically Serpentine is soothing to the emotional body, allowing one to release fear of change or hardship and to look forward to the future with expectation and excitement.

The fibrous variety of Srepentine, Chrysolite, usually occurs in seams or veins. When finished these stones produce a beautiful chatoyant flash of "internal light". The material from Arizona, known as Arizona Pietersite, is a lovely example of this and can be found in a variety of flashy colors from silver, to gold, to root beer.

OakRocks has been in the rock and mineral business for 30 years. We are a great source for Serpentine and carry a large selection of mineral specimens, Serpentine stone carvings and polished pieces. We also carry Serpentine rough, and lovely finished pieces, of Arizona Pietersite.

Check out the variety of Serpentine products in my store!

Or check out Arizona Pietersite products here!