SERPENTINE

Serpentine is not a single mineral, but rather a group of related minerals. Beside from the main members of Antigorite and Chrysotile, a distinction is not typically made between the individual members, with the exception for scientific study and classification purposes. Serpentine minerals form where peridotite, dunite, and other ultramafic rocks undergo a process called hydrothermal metamorphism. The source of water for this process is seawater entrained in the rocks and sediments of the oceanic slab. It is there that ultramafic rock, which is rich in iron and magnesium (but also poor in silica), forms within the Earth's mantle and finds its way to the surface along oceanic ridges, where new ocean crust is being formed. Underlying this new crust is partially melted ultramafic rock which helps to form the basement substrate of the oceanic crust. Ultramafic rocks are typically quite rare at Earth's surface but are abundant at what is called the oceanic Mohorovičić discontinuity (also simply called the Moho boundary), which is defined as the boundary between the base of the oceanic crust and the upper mantle. It is here that the rocks are metamorphosed within convergent plate boundaries, where an oceanic plate is being pushed downwards and into the mantle. And it is in the mantle that the differing variations of serpentine get their fiery start before being compressed and moved upwards throughout the crust via intense series of prolonged tectonic plate activity and volcanism. Simply stated, where the Earth's crust collides, serpentines are born! And the unique serpentine variations owe their origin story to certain geologic processes that began roughly 3.8 billion years ago! Interestingly, scientists have discovered specific variations of serpentinite rocks in current day Greenland that date back to some of the oldest formations ever discovered on our planet. You might ask, “exactly how do these beautiful serpentinite rocks and minerals finally make their way to the surface, all the way from the mantle of the planet?” Well, that theory is somewhat debated. What we do know is that during the process of formation, serpentine rock actually becomes less dense, (meaning, more buoyant), as water is added. This alludes to the popular theory that the rocks are hydraulically carried through the crust’s magma chambers, vents, and fissures when undergoing intense hydrothermal pressures from volcanic activity.

SERPENTINE HISTORY AND USES

Serpentine has been mined and revered since antiquity by numerous civilizations, including the Sumerians, Assyrians, Persians, and Egyptians, who often used it for the creation of wax seals and cylinder seals. Thanks to its greasy and oily surface when polished, it prevented clay or wax from sticking to the seal, making it easier to use in administration and trade. From the emergence of the Mesopotamian cylinder seal around 3500 BCE, serpentine became one of the preferred materials for these objects. During the rise of the Roman Empire, serpentine was widely used as a decorative and ornamental stone. It was commonly known as lapis atracius, and it was often utilized in the making of columns, statues, wall claddings, and mosaics. A specific variety, ophicalcite, gave rise to famous variations of marble, such as Verde di Genova and Vert Maurin, which displays its characteristic deep green coloration and white contrasting markings and stripe patterns. These specific types of marble were highly prized as fine-life adornments for Roman villas, temples, and baths. Not among these mentioned civilizations are a slew of others, as serpentine ornamental use within the ancient world had taken a foothold in numerous cultures all across the globe.

Serpentine was named as such in the year 1564 by German mineralogist Georgious Agricola. The name was given as an allusion to the mottled green appearance of the mineral, which was suggestive to that of the scales on a snake, or from the Latin form for "serpent". Since 1965, serpentine has been designated as the official state rock of California, USA, due to its abundance and richness of its hues. However, lately, this distinction has been somewhat controversial, particularly since the year of 2010. This confliction is primarily due to the presence of chrysotile needles that are found within certain varieties of serpentine. (Chrysotile being the primary form of asbestos, and asbestos being bad for your general health and well-being.)

Today, serpentine continues to be a sought-after stone that is found within fine architecture and sculpture, where it is sometimes used for the cladding of prestigious buildings, such as churches, palaces, and historical monuments.

SERPENTINE METAPHYSICS

Metaphysically, serpentine is said to be a terrific stone for emotional release of the heart and clearing of the mind. A stone of the Heart Chakra, it is said that serpentine can allow for healing vibrations and frequencies to penetrate the heart and mind in order to help release unwanted traumas from the past. Upon clearing the Heart Chakra of trauma, serpentine can aid the mind’s eye by providing mental clarity, intuitiveness, and, sometimes, psychic capabilities. Additionally, serpentine is said to be a foundational support stone for the Root Chakra, as its deep-Earth origins help to bring focus and stability to meditative practices that are centered around specific problem areas of physical and mental healing.

Physically, serpentine is said to aid the body with detoxification and heavy metal elimination. It is also said that the stone can aid the body with parasitic infestations, as well as helping to alleviate dis-ease from the burden of diabetes.