Serpentine
Green Serpentine Crystal Stone Meaning
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Serpentinite stone is a rock composed of one or more serpentine minerals, named for its resemblance to the skin of a snake. This rock is characterized by its green color, which can range from light to dark, and its greasy or waxy texture.
Serpentine minerals, rich in magnesium and water, are formed through a process known as serpentinization. This process involves the hydration and metamorphic transformation of ultramafic rock from the Earth’s mantle. It often takes place at tectonic plate boundaries, particularly at the seafloor, where the alteration of minerals is significant.
Formation of Serpentine
Serpentinization is a geological, low-temperature metamorphic process involving heat and water. It occurs when low-silica mafic and ultramafic rocks are oxidized, and the anaerobic oxidation of iron (Fe2+) by water’s protons leads to the formation of hydrogen (H2) and the transformation into serpentine.
Peridotite, including dunite, at and near the seafloor and in mountain belts, undergoes changes to form serpentine, brucite, magnetite, and other minerals, including rare ones like awaruite and even native iron. During this process, large amounts of water are absorbed into the rock, increasing its volume and decreasing its density. The density changes from about 3.3 to 2.7 g/cm3, and the volume can increase by 30-40%, which can destroy the original rock structure.
The reaction is highly exothermic, and temperatures within the rock can increase by approximately 260°C, creating an energy source for non-volcanic hydrothermal vents. The formation of magnetite during serpentinization produces hydrogen gas under anaerobic conditions. The hydrogen then reduces carbonates and sulfates, leading to the production of methane and hydrogen sulfide. These compounds provide energy for deep-sea chemotrophic microorganisms, which thrive in extreme environments far from sunlight.
Decorative Stone in Architecture
Serpentinite that contains higher amounts of calcite, often referred to as “verd antique,” has historically been used as a decorative stone due to its marble-like qualities. For instance, College Hall at the University of Pennsylvania, USA, is constructed from serpentine stone. In Europe, the mountainous regions of Piedmont in Italy and Larissa in Greece were popular sources for serpentinite before the Americas were discovered.
Green Serpentine Meaning and Healing Properties
The following section is pseudoscientific and based on cultural beliefs.
The green serpentine crystal is often considered a “stone of independence.” It is believed to aid in overcoming emotional eating habits, such as binge eating, bulimia, anorexia, and overeating. This gemstone’s green energy is said to open the heart chakra, increase prosperity, bring good fortune, and help one reap the benefits of hard work.
Serpentine from Pakistan
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Is Serpentine Used For?
Serpentine is primarily used as a decorative stone or for ornamental objects. Throughout history, it has also been used as a source of magnesium, in asbestos, and for personal adornment or sculpture. Serpentine minerals have played a role in architecture for thousands of years.
What Is Serpentine Good For?
Serpentine is believed to assist in directing healing energy to specific areas of the body, promoting physical and emotional balance. It is said to help manage diabetes and hypoglycemia, eliminate parasites from the body, and aid in calcium and magnesium absorption.
What Does Serpentine Crystal Look Like?
Serpentine is typically apple green to black in color, often mottled with lighter or darker areas. It has a shiny or wax-like appearance and a slightly soapy feel. The rock is generally fine-grained and compact but can also appear granular, platy, or fibrous.
Is Jade a Serpentine?
Varieties of serpentine have often been confused with jade. In fact, the Chinese word for jade is used to refer to several different minerals, including serpentine, agate, and quartz.
Is Serpentine Toxic?
Serpentine itself is not toxic. However, it can sometimes contain the fibrous mineral chrysotile asbestos. Unlike other forms of asbestos, chrysotile is not known to cause mesothelioma or lung cancer. As such, serpentine is generally considered safe to handle.
Is Gold Found in Serpentine?
While gold-bearing quartz veins are not commonly found within serpentine itself, gold deposits are often closely associated with serpentine-bearing rocks. Placer gold deposits are sometimes richer downstream from serpentine outcrops.
Is Serpentine Used in Jewelry?
Serpentine is frequently used in jewelry and sculpture. It is also popular in holistic health practices for its purported healing and spiritual properties.
Is Serpentine Jewelry Safe?
Jewelry made from serpentine is generally safe to wear. The types of serpentine commonly used for jewelry have little to no asbestos content, and any asbestos present cannot be released as airborne fibers. Non-fibrous serpentine is completely safe.
How Do You Identify Serpentine Stone?
Serpentine is relatively soft and lightweight, with a specific gravity ranging from 2.44 to 2.62—slightly lower than that of quartz. Its luster can be greasy, waxy, or silky. Although it can sometimes be mistaken for nephrite jade, nephrite is much harder, tougher, and has a less greasy luster.
What Are the Different Types of Serpentine?
Serpentine typically occurs in three polymorphs: chrysotile, antigorite, and lizardite. Chrysotile is the fibrous form often used as asbestos. Antigorite can appear in either corrugated plates or fibrous forms, while lizardite is a very fine-grained, platy variety.
Is Serpentine Magnetic?
While serpentine itself is not magnetic, it often contains magnetite crystals that are highly susceptible to magnetic fields.
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We create custom-made serpentine jewelry, including engagement rings, necklaces, stud earrings, bracelets, and pendants. Please contact us for a quote.
