Green Serpentine
Major characteristics of Serpentine stones are their yellow to green colorations and relatively "slippery" feel, which might explain the origin of its name, which is derived from the Latin serpentinus, or "serpent rock." This versatile stone is seen in combinations of yellow-green, olive-red, yellow (often referred to as Yellow “Turquoise”), Lemon “Jade,” green-teal, and even in combination with Lapis and Pyrite. Some Serpentine stones may show high amounts of Quartz inclusions. Geologists refer to Serpentine as a group of stones having been formed much in the same way – by serpentinization, a metamorphic transformation of rocks from the Earth's mantle. Mantles are made of rock or ice, and are generally the largest and most massive layer of the planetary body. The Earth's mantle is a layer of silicate rock between the crust and the outer core of our planet. They are basically a magnesium silicate mineral with a crystal-like structure that is actually more fibrous than crystalline. Minerals in this group are rich in magnesium and water, and are generally light to dark green, greasy looking and have a slippery feeling. There are many varieties of Serpentine, with varied characteristics and colorations, found in many places around the world, including Canada (Quebec), Afghanistan, Britain, Cyprus, Greece, China, France, Korea, Austria, India, Myanmar (Burma), New Zealand, Norway, Italy—and in the United States in Maryland and Pennsylvania. (Be sure to check Miriam’s growing collection of Russian Serpentine necklaces!) Metaphysical essence: Serpentines are often associated with positive energies that heighten your sensitivity to the environment and the people around you, for increasing the serenity in your life, and for enhancing protective energies.
