Serpentine

Serpentine Stone

Serpentine gets its name from the Latin “serpentinus” meaning “serpent stone”. It was named for its rough texture, reminiscent of a snake's skin.

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

Serpentine comes in various colors: from colorless to white, grey, brown, beige, black, and even blue. But its most well-known color remains olive green.

Serpentine is not a single mineral, but rather a whole family of minerals belonging to the silicate group, specifically the phyllosilicate subgroup. This family comprises approximately 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 luster varies from greasy to silky to vitreous. It has a hardness of 2.5 to 3.5 on the Mohs scale. For comparison, diamond has the highest hardness, at 10 on the same scale. Serpentine can be considered 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 superficial layer of the Earth's mantle.

Since antiquity, serpentine has been known and used for its healing properties. In ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, cylinder seals were created because of serpentine's properties, particularly its oily consistency. This prevented it from adhering to the wax or clay used on the seals.

The Romans crafted ornaments from this stone. They also used it against snake bites and for protection against black magic. This stone was renowned for its anti-poison properties, as contact with it would shatter glass or serpentine containers.

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

In New Zealand, the Maori carved sacred cult objects from serpentine and called them “Tangiwai” or “tears”.

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

In addition to its numerous healing properties, serpentine was used to make vases, glasses, and jars for storing remedies. Serpentine improved the preservation of the preparations it contained.

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

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

Serpentine in crystal healing

Its benefits on a psychological level

Serpentine has this incredible shielding function against negative waves or energies that attack the mind. Thus, it promotes relaxation and meditation by clearing the mind of intrusive thoughts. It reconnects the wearer of this stone to their inner self.

Serpentine helps identify certain blockages linked to past traumas. It thus encourages the wearer to move forward, overcome life's difficulties, and achieve their goals. It reduces nervousness, stress, and anxiety, bringing serenity and inner peace.

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

Serpentine is recommended for overcoming the pain associated with the loss of a loved one or following a divorce or separation. It reduces stress and brings a greater sense of peace. It is excellent for new beginnings in life, such as a job change, a new romantic relationship, or a new project.

This stone is a grounding 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.

Its physical benefits

A powerful anti-stress stone, serpentine helps calm restless thoughts before bedtime. Placed in a bedroom, it promotes restful and restorative sleep. Its wearer regains vitality and energy upon waking. This leads to increased efficiency, particularly in their professional life, as they become much more productive.

Serpentine helps to fix vitamins A and C, which are essential for the proper functioning of the body.

Serpentine and associated astrological signs

Serpentine, with its composition of multiple minerals, offers powerful benefits and numerous virtues to all signs of the zodiac. Sometimes, the stone has a particular affinity with certain astrological signs. This is the case for the following signs:

-Gemini: A symbol of exchange, communication, and curiosity, this sign represents study, intelligence, and movement. Wearing a serpentine bracelet reduces nervousness, stress, and anxiety, bringing serenity and inner peace to its wearer. This sign is very curious, loves all new technologies, and enjoys discoveries in space. Always on the go, they develop a wide range of skills. However, they don't always see their projects through to completion. Their good humor is legendary, and their company is highly valued. They are sociable, energetic, and very witty. They hate routine and love to travel. They possess a wonderful open mind and a great deal of mental creativity. They adapt easily to any environment. However, beneath this superficial exterior, they hide a great deal of anxiety and worry. They have a self-deprecating sense of humor, and their naturally optimistic nature prevails. In love, they are a great seducer, possessing considerable charm and humor. He enjoys having many conquests and flits from relationship to relationship. He is very afraid of commitment and losing his freedom. With age, he calms down and makes an excellent partner;

-Balance: A symbol of justice, balance, and peace, this sign represents harmony, marriage, and elegance. Wearing a serpentine necklace helps them become aware of the true meaning of life and live in accordance with their ideals without being influenced by others. This sign possesses great grace and class. They enjoy socializing, exude natural elegance, and have a gift for dance. They love being the center of attention and being admired. This sign detests vulgarity and filth. They are very afraid of being alone. They cannot tolerate conflict and prove to be an excellent mediator. They dream of a more just and egalitarian world with widespread access to knowledge. Furthermore, they are very generous, demonstrating great altruism and kindness. However, beneath their smiling exterior lies a strong will and determination. In love, this sign is sentimental, romantic, and seeks peace. A sign of marriage, they hate loneliness and will do anything to find a partner. He needs to be admired, loved, and desired. His charm is legendary. Thus, he always manages to make his relationship work;

-Fish : A symbol of infinity, religion, and faith, this sign represents intuition, clairvoyance, and mystery. Wearing a serpentine necklace offers protection against negative energies and frees the wearer from intrusive thoughts that plague the mind. Impressionable and idealistic, this sign is highly influenced and can easily fall into all sorts of addictions, such as tobacco, alcohol, or drugs. They tend to flee reality and seek refuge in a gentler, dreamlike world. They are very sensitive and intolerant of criticism. They can be extravagant and highly original, with a unique style of dress and a tendency to be unconventional. On the other hand, they possess a great deal of intuition and flair. Many prominent financiers are born under this sign. They possess a great deal of creativity and a true artistic flair. In love, this sign is dual and paradoxical, capable of behaving like a true libertine or, conversely, seeking a lasting relationship. Highly erotic, he enjoys indulging in numerous carnal experiences. He tends to undervalue himself and idealize others excessively.

Serpentine helps balance the frontal chakra, also known as the third eye chakra. Located between the eyes, at the root of the nose, it represents wisdom, knowledge, intelligence, and discernment. It develops intuition and self-control. A balanced third eye chakra fosters wisdom and intuitive understanding. The individual feels calm and serene, discovering others and themselves with clarity and lucidity. They overcome life's challenges.

An unbalanced, overactive third eye chakra plunges the person into excessive intellectualization and exaggerated mysticism. They lose touch with reality and reject physical pleasures. They believe they possess the truth about everything and are unable to have normal relationships.

The third eye chakra, unbalanced and blocked, is closed to all forms of spirituality. The person exhibits excessive rationality. They cling desperately to material possessions and their routine. They have great difficulty managing life's problems and overcoming challenges.