Serpentine Beads

Serpentine beads are made out of a number of different minerals that are grouped together by a name. The root of the name serpentine is serpent, due to its coloration similarity to that of snakes. It can be olive green, yellow, golden, mauve, brown, gray or black, but the most common color is green. Serpentine can be either translucent or opaque. In jewelry supplies it makes a good substitute for jade where hardness is not a factor. The celery green variety of serpentine has been given the name "new jade." It is often used in carvings, cabochons, and as gemstone beads for jewelry making. In its rough form, serpentine has a silky feel. In its polished form, it offers an attractive touch, which makes it an excellent stone for use in meditation or prayer.

Major sources of serpentine are England, China, United States, and New Zealand.

Serpentine is associated with the zodiac sign of Virgo, Gemini, and Capricorn. New age thinkers believe it emits a profound healing vibration and thus associate it with clear energy flow.

Serpentine gemstone beads pair well with either silver or gold findings, and excellent gemstone mates for new jade are labradorite, nephrite jade, fluorite, sugulite, tourmaline, peridot, fancy jasper, and aventurine.

common treatments: none

special care: avoid abrasion, harsh chemicals

hardness: 2.5 - 4.5