Serpentine is most commonly found in shades of greenish-yellow to dark green and has a waxy or greasy feel. It is relatively soft and has a hardness of 4 to 6, making it a popular stone for carving and making jewelry. Serpentine means "snake-like" and may have gotten its name centuries ago when it was thought to provide protection against snakebites or simply because the patterned colors resemble the skins of some reptiles. The chemical name for serpentine is magnesium silicate. 44% silica, 43% magnesia, 13% water, Mg,,Si,O (OH). It is a secondary mineral formed from the hot water alteration of primary magnesium silicates such as chrysotile and antigorite.

Note: Each stone has a different size and design.

Recommended age: 7 years and up.