Web Serpentine

This lovely yellow/green variety of Serpentine with thin webbing comes from China.

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.

Metaphysical Properties: 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.