The facts
What serpentine actually is
Mineralogically, serpentine is serpentine group — Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄, crystallising in the monoclinic system.
The colour is caused by iron and nickel. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.560–1.570, and the specific gravity sits near 2.44–2.62; cleavage is none.
Where serpentine comes from
The recognised sources are China, Afghanistan, New Zealand, Italy and USA.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How serpentine is treated
Dyed and sold as jade constantly. This is the commonest jade substitution.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What serpentine is confused with
The usual confusions are Jadeite, Nephrite and Chrysoprase.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.560–1.570 and specific gravity 2.44–2.62 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What serpentine is used for
Serpentine is bought by carving and sculpture, decorative objects and architecture and interiors — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the block, by the piece or by the square metre.
Durability and care
Hardness 2.5–5.5; cleavage none. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What serpentine costs
Indicative pricing for serpentine is $0.20–5/ct.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is serpentine treated, and how?
Dyed and sold as jade constantly. This is the commonest jade substitution.
Where does serpentine come from?
China, Afghanistan, New Zealand, Italy and USA. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is serpentine hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 2.5–5.5 on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does serpentine cost?
Indicatively $0.20–5/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is serpentine confused with?
Most often Jadeite, Nephrite and Chrysoprase. A refractive index of 1.560–1.570 and a specific gravity near 2.44–2.62 separate it quickly.
What is serpentine used for besides jewellery?
carving and sculpture, decorative objects and architecture and interiors. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for serpentine?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about serpentine