Serpentine
"Serpentine" is an umbrella name for a group of minerals, mostly green, which grow in masses of interwoven crystals. When polished, the leveled surfaces of serpentine stones show writhing streaks of colors which look much like snakes or the skin of snakes.
Serpentine's principal mineral forms are bowenite (translucent green or blue-green) and Williamsite (translucent green veined with inclusions). The main sources of serpentine are Southwest Africa, China, India, the United States, and Italy. It is a relatively soft, easily carved stone; its Mohs hardness is only 5. Serpentine has been carved into intricate talismans, vessels, jewelry, boxes, and other ornamental and magical forms for thousands of years.
A dream of serpentine warns of treachery from someone close to you. Serpentine is also an excellent meditation stone that can lead to inner peace, especially when combined with jade or chrysoprase.
The metaphysical properties of serpentine are highly protective. Ancient Romans made drinking vessels of serpentine in the belief that the cups would shatter if touched by poison, warning the would-be imbiber. In the Middle Ages, medicine was stored in serpentine vessels to increase its potency. Ancient American civilizations believed that serpentine guarded the soul against evil influences. Romans also wore serpentine to ward off evil sorcery and dark spells.
In the 19th Century, it was discovered (or re-discovered) that serpentine is highly resistant to fire, and the stone was used in fabric and building materials. Yes, serpentine asbestos is one of the two primary forms of asbestos; the other is chrysotile, from which 90 percent of asbestos comes.
The healing properties of serpentine are primarily associated with the 4th chakra (heart) and the 2nd chakra (sacral or navel). It is beneficial for cardiac irregularities, stomach and bowel ailments, kidney disorders, and menstrual cramps. It promotes lactation in breast-feeding women, and can assist women in achieving orgasm. Serpentine's calming and leveling effects upon emotions can be helpful during pre-menstrual stress and menopause.
Serpentine is not an official modern birth stone, perhaps because that list was proclaimed by the United States jewelry industry and serpentine is not a particularly costly stone.
Serpentine is a stone of the astrological Zodiac Sign of Scorpio, a stinging venomous creature. Serpentine is said to protect the wearer against all snake bites, and perhaps venomous creatures of all kinds.