When you think of the term serpentine, you probably picture a greenish, spotted, or brown mineral. Although it is often used as a source of magnesium and asbestos, serpentine is also a popular decorative stone. Their greenish color may be the source of their name. Despite their color, serpentine has many other uses, and you may be wondering what exactly these stones are made from. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of common questions related to this gemstone.
Bowenite
One of the most beautiful types of serpentine is Bowenite, a translucent variety of Antigorite. Bowenite has a Moh’s hardness of 4.0 to 6.0, making it harder than the more commonly used Antigorite. This serpentine gemstone is often found in hues ranging from pale green to dark bluish green. Bowenite has a pearly luster and helps develop psychic abilities. It also assists those who have suffered past trauma.
It is also used to support financial endeavors and new relationships. It can encourage you to live life to the fullest by attracting prosperity and wealth energies. The gentle energy of Bowenite is a great boost to those who feel low. You’ll be filled with a feeling of contentment and will feel a renewed sense of optimism. It helps you to reach your goals and realize your dreams. In addition, Bowenite can bring about the transformation you want in your life.
Bowenite is the most common variety of serpentine, and is also known as antigorite. It is a translucent mineral, ranging in hue from blue-green to yellow. The name is derived from the student who discovered it in Rhode Island. Bowenite is often used to create various ornaments. While a rarer variety of serpentine is nephrite, it is less sought-after for jewelry.
When used to boost one’s actions, Bowenite encourages self-reliance and independence. Bowenite reduces the chances of breaking away from one’s goals midway. It helps one recognize their own power and abilities. Those who have trouble with their social lives can benefit from the power of this stone. People who fear people can also benefit from its effects on their emotional well-being. Those who fear change may find that Bowenite helps them change their ways.
When it comes to colour, the bluish-green specimen of serpentinite was evaluated by using the CIECAM16 model. This model calculates the parameters of samples under different surrounds, illuminators, and light sources. Generally, it was found that the bluish-green hue of serpentinite looked brighter in dark settings than it did in bright environments. However, the CIECAM16 model also found that the same specimen of serpentine would have a slightly different hue in a dim, dark room.
Smithsonite
The Smithsonite serpentine gemstone is known for its powerful healing properties. This gemstone stimulates psychic senses, encourages relaxation, and aids in releasing negative energy. It helps one access their deep strength and promotes inner reflection. It is a powerful stone for people with a hypersensitive personality, and it can help them overcome shyness and increase their self-esteem. It can also reduce cravings for drugs and alcohol.
Because of its rarity, smithsonites are often found in mineral collections rather than jewelry collections. For this reason, they should be worn on rare occasions and stored separately from other gemstones. However, if you are interested in purchasing a Smithsonite gemstone, here are some tips:
Smithsonite is found naturally throughout the world, but facetable crystals are rare. Its lustre varies from pearl-like to silk-like and its surface appears similar to melted wax when placed under a candle flame. This gemstone belongs to the calcite family and forms a series with siderite. Blue-green stones from New Mexico are very prized, as are yellowish ones from Tsumeb, Namibia.
In the past, it was used in jewelry, household items, and as gifts for the deities. Ancient cultures used serpentine pendants to protect against poisons and evil spirits, and it was also known to be easy to carve. Therefore, it’s used in low-impact jewelry, sculptures, and surfaces. Although serpentine is not found on Earth’s surface, it’s present under a considerable portion of the planet.
Although serpentine is primarily an ornamental gem, its striking patterns have made it popular for carvings. Because of its close resemblance to jade, it has been mistakenly marketed as such by some manufacturers. It has also been mistakenly marketed as marble, although it is not. The stone was formerly mistaken for marble. Its name was changed due to this. This misconception led to a decline in the use of serpentine in architectural projects.
The Serpentine gemstone is a member of the Quartz family. Other members of this family include Antigorite, Cronstedtite, Fraipontite, Nepouite, and Amesite. Smithsonite is extremely soft and incredibly rare. Smithsonite is the best known form of serpentine. You should never buy an inexpensive imitation because it’s hard to find in nature.
Other types of serpentine include Verd Antique and Red Serpentinite. Though a relatively inexpensive gemstone, serpentine is softer than jade. It’s also widely used in jewelry and animal carvings. Compared to jade, serpentine is also used as a countertop, table top, and even as beads. Some specimens are even faceted. The beauty of serpentine is so beautiful and rare that it’s considered a precious stone.
Smithsonite is an opaque blue-white mineral with a caramel brown back. Its high sodium content makes it a highly versatile mineral. Smithsonite can be cut into cabochons or carved into beads. Its vitreous luster and softness make it a favorite among jewelry enthusiasts. It’s considered the poor man’s lapis lazuli. However, you can’t buy this stone for its healing properties alone.