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Serpentine

Photo: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Serpentine

Snake-skin green minerals formed from Earth's mantle – the same rock that forms Cyprus's Troodos Mountains.

  • ColourGreen, Yellow-green, Mottled
  • Mineral groupSerpentine subgroup
  • Chemistry(Mg,Fe)₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄
  • Hardness (Mohs)2.5–5.5
  • Crystal systemMonoclinic
  • Where it's foundCyprus (Troodos), Italy, China, USA, New Zealand
  • ChakraHeart
  • ZodiacGemini, Scorpio

What is Serpentine?

Serpentine is a group of green magnesium silicate minerals (antigorite, lizardite and chrysotile) that form when rocks from Earth's mantle react with water. The name comes from the Latin serpentinus, for its snake-skin look.

Serpentine has a special connection to Cyprus: the Troodos Mountains, including Mount Olympus, contain serpentinite from ancient oceanic crust and mantle. Near Amiantos, the fibrous form (chrysotile asbestos) was mined until the late 1980s. Polished, massive serpentine used in carvings and jewellery is safe to handle; you should never cut or sand raw serpentine.

Serpentine astrology & birthstone

  • Zodiac signsGemini, Scorpio
  • Ruling planet—
  • ElementEarth
  • Birthstone month—

Zodiac, planet and element links come from crystal-lore traditions and vary between authors. Birthstone months follow the American Gem Society list.

Serpentine meaning & traditional properties

Serpentine is associated with renewal, meditation and calm in crystal traditions.

  • Renewal
  • Meditation
  • Calm

Traditional and metaphysical properties are shared for cultural and educational interest. Crystals are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.

How to use Serpentine

  • Keep a polished carving or sphere in a calm space.
  • Hold a palm stone during meditation.

How to care for Serpentine

Soft and scratches easily. Avoid acids and soaking. Don't cut, drill or sand raw serpentine at home.

Shop Serpentine

Hand-picked serpentine crystals and jewellery from our Paralimni workshop.

Rituals & pairings

Pair Serpentine with a energy & motivation ritual

A bright morning ritual to wake up your energy and motivation.

Traditionally paired with: Lemongrass, citrus, mint or eucalyptus incense · An orange or yellow candle · Palo santo

  • Open the curtains and clear the space with palo santo.
  • Light an orange or yellow candle and citrus, lemongrass or eucalyptus incense.
  • Hold your crystal and name one thing you'll get done today.
  • Carry the crystal with you as your reminder.

Safety: never leave candles, incense or smudge sticks burning unattended, keep them away from children, pets and anything flammable, and ventilate the room. Rituals are shared as tradition, not as a treatment.

Ritual oils, essential oils & perfumes

Deepen your practice: tarot & oracle cards

Wear it & work with it

Serpentine jewellery & pendulums

    Wear the energy of your favourite crystals every day – browse our handmade crystal jewellery and dowsing pendulums.

    Serpentine FAQs

    Is serpentine found in Cyprus?

    Yes – serpentinite is part of the Troodos ophiolite, including Mount Olympus.

    Is polished serpentine safe?

    Yes, polished massive serpentine is safe to handle. Don't create dust from raw material.

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    Sources