Serpentine: Properties, Uses and Crystal Healing

Serpentine is a captivating green crystal offering many benefits. If you are curious about its properties, uses, and healing potential, you've come to the right place. This post discusses serpentine's properties, benefits and uses and why it’s so often used in crystal healing circles.

Whether you're a seasoned collector, a newcomer to the realm of gemstones, or simply seeking to enhance your well-being through nature's gifts, the serpentine stone offers many benefits and intriguing facts to explore.

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Serpentine is a group of green minerals that are often mistaken for jade. It’s primarily composed of magnesium silicate and is known for its distinctive green colour, which can range from pale green to deep olive. The name "Serpentine" is derived from the Latin word "serpens," meaning serpent or snake, which refers to its often snake-like pattern and colouration.

Serpentine can be classified as both a crystal and a stone. It forms in a crystalline structure, but when referred to in everyday contexts, it is often called a stone. This versatility makes it a fascinating subject for geologists and crystal healers.

Serpentine can be classified into three main types:

Serpentine is primarily associated with the heart and crown chakras. It’s thought to open the heart chakra to unconditional love and compassion, while also stimulating the crown chakra to enhance spiritual insight and connection.

From its physical characteristics to its metaphysical attributes, Serpentine holds a special place in the world of gemstones and crystals:

Serpentine is typically smooth and waxy in texture, giving it a distinctive feel that makes it a popular choice for carvings and jewellery. On the Mohs scale, it has a hardness of 2.5 to 5.5, making it relatively soft and easy to carve into intricate shapes. 

This stone often exhibits a fibrous or plate-like structure and can appear either translucent or opaque, depending on the specific variety. Its colours can range from pale green to deep olive, often with a mottled or marbled appearance that adds to its aesthetic appeal.

Serpentine is celebrated for its powerful metaphysical properties. It is believed to align the chakras, particularly stimulating the crown chakra, which is associated with spiritual insight and higher consciousness. 

This stone is also linked to the planet Saturn, known for its influence on discipline and grounding. Many people use Serpentine to aid in meditation and enhance their spiritual exploration, as it is thought to promote spiritual enlightenment and connection to higher realms.

Serpentine is reputed to have numerous healing benefits, including:

Serpentine is a versatile stone that is used in various aspects of daily life and spiritual practices. Its beauty and healing properties make it a favourite for both practical and metaphysical purposes.

Due to its attractive green hues and ease of carving, Serpentine is commonly used in jewellery and ornamental objects. You’ll find it in necklaces, bracelets, and decorative carvings, making it a popular choice for both personal adornment and home decor. The stone’s smooth, waxy texture and rich colours enhance the elegance of any piece, whether worn or displayed.

In crystal healing, Serpentine is valued for its ability to clear energy blockages and promote the flow of positive energy. It is often used during meditation to help achieve a deeper state of relaxation and spiritual awareness. Many people incorporate Serpentine into their spiritual practices to benefit from its calming and healing vibrations, making it an essential tool for those seeking balance and enlightenment.

To activate Serpentine crystals, you can cleanse them using water (making sure they don’t get soaked, as prolonged exposure can damage them), sage smudging, or placing them under moonlight. Setting a clear intention while holding the crystal can also help to activate its energies.

Read more about how to clean, cleanse and charge your crystals.

While brief exposure to water is generally safe, prolonged soaking can damage Serpentine, especially varieties like Chrysotile that have a fibrous structure.

Sleeping with Serpentine crystal can promote restful sleep and vivid dreams. Place it under your pillow or near your bed to benefit from its calming and soothing energies.

Serpentine is generally safe to handle. However, some forms contain asbestos-like fibres, so it’s important to avoid inhaling dust when cutting or polishing the stone.

Placing Serpentine in your home can enhance the flow of positive energy. It is often placed in living rooms or meditation spaces to create a calming environment.

Serpentine pairs well with other crystals like quartz, jade, and amethyst, enhancing its healing properties and creating a harmonious energy flow.

Spiritually, Serpentine is believed to aid in meditation, promote spiritual enlightenment, and enhance your connection to higher realms. It is thought to stimulate the crown chakra, which is associated with spiritual insight and consciousness.

You can wear Serpentine every day. It is often used in jewellery such as rings, necklaces, and bracelets. Wearing it daily can help you benefit from its calming and healing properties continuously. However, due to its softness, take care to avoid scratches and damage.

Serpentine is not considered a rare crystal. It is relatively common and widely available, making it accessible for various uses, from jewellery to healing practices.

One main disadvantage of Serpentine is its softness, which makes it prone to scratches and damage. Additionally, certain forms of Serpentine, like Chrysotile, contain asbestos-like fibres, so handling these varieties with care is essential to avoid inhaling dust.

Serpentine is believed to have several powers, including detoxifying the body, enhancing cellular regeneration, reducing stress, and clearing energy blockages. It is also thought to promote spiritual growth and enlightenment.

Serpentine is associated with the planet Saturn. Saturn is linked to discipline, structure, and grounding, which aligns with the stabilising and calming properties of Serpentine.

Serpentine is not a form of jade. While they can appear similar in colour, they are distinct minerals with different chemical compositions. Jade is typically harder and has different properties compared to Serpentine.

An interesting fact about Serpentine is that its name derives from the Latin word "serpens," meaning serpent or snake. This is due to its often snake-like pattern and green colouration, reminiscent of a serpent's skin.

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