Serpentine is the
name given to a subgroup of magnesium, asbestos, and silicate minerals formed
in Serpentinite rock. It commonly crystallizes in the forms of masses, fibrous
grains, and flat-like plates. The colors can vary from light and dark greens to
brown, yellow, white, and grey. The most commonly known Serpentine minerals
that have been independently verified are Lizardite, Atlantisite, Greenstone,
and Infinite.
The final mineral
composition of serpentine is usually dominated by lizardite, chrysotile, and
magnetite. Brucite and antigorite are less commonly present. Serpentine has a
greasy to silky luster and the colors are often spotty. Serpentine group
minerals have a Mohs hardness of 2.5 to 3.5, so it is easily carved and is
often used as decoration pieces. They are also used as a source of magnesium
and asbestos. The name comes from the greenish color and smooth or scaly
appearance from the Latin serpentinus, meaning "serpent rock". Soils derived from serpentine are toxic to many
plants, because of high levels of nickel, chromium, and cobalt. In 1965, the
California Legislature designated the mineral serpentine as "the official
State Rock and lithologic emblem". Serpentine can be confused with jade, although
serpentine is usually spotted or veined, onyx marble, turquoise, and verdite.
Chakra: Crown and Root.
Zodiac: Gemini.
Planet: Earth.
Element: Earth.
Care: It is not recommended to use steaming, ultrasonic or boiling
methods. It is sensitive to acids. Do not scrub with abrasives. Do not store them with crystals that have a harder Mohs as it can damage the serpentine. Cleansing can
be done with smoke, selenite, and sound without damage.
Serpentine
clears clouded areas of the chakras and stimulates the crown chakra, promoting
spiritual understanding and psychic abilities. It gives you a connection to nature and a deep connection to Earth. It reminds you of the importance of nature and
how we must care for Earth. Serpentine brings healing growth, peace, calm,
love, abundance, protective healing,
and protection of your aura. It helps with grief, loss, separation, and betrayal.
It connects you to your past life and helps you work on yourself. Serpentine is
believed to help establish control over your life. It clears your mind to
better facilitate meditation. It is great at shielding you from bad omen,
hateful behavior, and even dark magic. It can assist you to be less susceptible
to the ideas, observations, or beliefs of other people.
