Serpentine Stone Meaning: Properties, Benefits & Cornish Serpentine
Serpentine is a green stone named for its snakeskin pattern, known as the "stone of renewal". Its meaning is calm, growth and fresh starts: it is said to soothe the mind, help you let go of old patterns and reconnect you with nature. It is linked with the heart chakra, and here in Cornwall it has a special history, as the Lizard peninsula is home to the famous Cornish serpentine.
Serpentine is a fascinating gemstone, often admired for its mottled greens and its soft, almost silky feel. In this guide we'll look at what serpentine is, the story of Cornish serpentine, its meaning and properties, and how to wear and care for it.
Serpentine at a Glance
| Property | Description |
| Mineral | A group of related magnesium silicate minerals |
| Colour | Green, from pale apple to deep forest, often mottled with black, red or white |
| Hardness | About 2.5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale (soft) |
| Lustre | Waxy to silky |
| Transparency | Translucent to opaque |
| Chakra | Heart |
| Zodiac | Scorpio |
| Main sources | Found worldwide, including the Lizard in Cornwall, China, New Zealand and the USA |
✧ Shop serpentine ✧
A little piece of green calm. Every piece is made in Cornwall, vegan and cruelty free.
What Is Serpentine?
Serpentine is not one single mineral but a family of closely related green minerals that form deep underground when rocks from the Earth's mantle meet water. The rock made mostly of these minerals is called serpentinite. Its name comes from the Latin serpens, meaning snake, because its green, mottled pattern looks a lot like snakeskin.
Polished serpentine has a waxy, almost silky feel and a lovely depth of colour. Because some serpentine looks a little like jade, it is sometimes sold as "new jade", but it is a different stone and much softer.
Cornish Serpentine: The Lizard Stone
Serpentine is a true Cornish treasure. The Lizard peninsula, Britain's most southerly point, is one of the best places in the country to see it, and the dark green, red veined serpentine there has been carved for well over a century. Local craftsmen turned it into lighthouses, vases, ornaments and even fireplaces, and in Victorian times Lizard serpentine became fashionable across the country.
A handful of workshops on the Lizard still turn and polish serpentine today, and you will see it in gift shops around Cornwall. It feels fitting that a stone from this corner of Cornwall ends up in jewellery made here too.
Serpentine Meaning
Serpentine is the stone of renewal. Just as a snake sheds its skin, it is said to help you let go of what you have outgrown and step into something new. It is a calming, nurturing stone that brings a sense of peace and contentment, and many people turn to it during times of change.
Serpentine Spiritual Meaning
Spiritually, serpentine is linked with the heart chakra, the energy of the earth and a deep connection with nature. It is a popular stone for meditation, and it is often associated with spiritual awakening and kundalini energy. Some people keep it by the bed to encourage meaningful dreams.
Serpentine Properties and Benefits
- Renewal: helps you let go of old patterns and welcome fresh starts.
- Calm: its soft green energy is said to soothe a busy mind.
- Emotional resilience: a steadying stone when life feels unsettled.
- Connection with nature: lovely for walkers, gardeners and nature lovers.
- Contentment: encourages a sense of peace with where you are.
- Spiritual growth: a favourite for meditation and inner exploration.
Serpentine and the Zodiac
Serpentine is most closely linked with Scorpio, the sign of transformation, which suits a stone of renewal and letting go. Find your own stones in our zodiac guide.
How to Use Serpentine
- Wear it: our serpentine leaf necklace and jellyfish necklace keep its calm, green energy close.
- Meditate with it: hold a piece over your heart as you breathe slowly.
- Keep it at home: place it in a calm corner or on a windowsill with your plants.
- Pair it: combine it with moss agate or malachite for more green, growing energy, or with Preseli bluestone for another stone from the British landscape.
How to Cleanse and Care for Serpentine
Serpentine is a soft stone, so treat it gently. Store it away from harder crystals that could scratch it, and wipe it with a soft, damp cloth rather than soaking it. Smoke, sound and moonlight are all lovely ways to cleanse it. Read more in our guides to cleansing crystals and charging crystals.
Serpentine FAQs
What is serpentine stone good for?
Serpentine is loved for calm, renewal and letting go of old patterns. It is a gentle, nurturing stone for times of change and a lovely way to connect with nature.
What does serpentine mean spiritually?
Spiritually, serpentine is a stone of renewal and growth. It is linked with the heart chakra and the energy of the earth, and it is often used in meditation.
Is serpentine found in Cornwall?
Yes. The Lizard peninsula in Cornwall is famous for its serpentine, which has been carved and polished there for well over a century.
Is serpentine the same as jade?
No. Serpentine can look a little like jade and is sometimes sold as "new jade", but it is a different, softer stone.
What chakra is serpentine?
Serpentine is linked with the heart chakra.
Can serpentine go in water?
A quick wipe with a damp cloth is fine, but serpentine is soft, so avoid soaking it.
Is serpentine a good stone for beginners?
Yes. Its gentle, calming energy makes it a lovely first stone for anyone starting a crystal collection.
Explore more: find more green stones in our guides to aventurine, African jade and chrysoprase, or browse our gifts for nature lovers. New to crystals? Start with our crystals for beginners guide or discover every stone in our A-Z crystal guide.
Keep reading: our guides to jasper and to Preseli bluestone, another stone found in Britain.
Leave a comment