Serpentine

About Serpentine

Named for its snakeskin-like patterns. It has been used as a jade substitute for thousands of years - many ancient Chinese jade carvings are actually serpentine. It is the state rock of California (controversially, as it is associated with asbestos). It is relatively soft and easy to carve. Over 20 varieties exist. Bowenite is a harder variety suitable for jewelry. It forms from the metamorphism of ultramafic rocks. New Zealand Maori treasure tangiwai (bowenite) as a sacred material. It is found worldwide.