SERPENTINE (Clinochrysotile)

The name serpentine refers to a group of predominantly green minerals that occur in masses of tiny intergrown crystals. The two main types used in jewellery are bowenite (translucent green or blue-green) and the rarer williamsite (translucent, oily green, veined or spotted with inclusions). Infinite (right) is a combination of serpentine and chrysotile and comes from South Africa.

Ophiolite Serpentine (the Lizard, Cornwall).

Serpentine was one of the rocks thrust up from underneath the crust, which was rich in iron and magnesium. During its tortuous journey through the Rheic Ocean crust and onto what became of Cornwall, this rock, peridotite, was changed to serpentinite, or serpentine - one of the Lizard's most beautiful rocks.

The above photographed "pebble" was found on Coverack Beach. The rock below, Kynance Cove.

Hardness: 5

The Lizard Ophiolite Complex

More about serpentine

Infinite is a very gentle, healing stone that will seek out anything negative in our bodies and gently and lovingly remove it. It will also pull pain out of the body and it is of great importance to healers and is, indeed, widely known as the "Healer's Stone". It is said to heal, in particular, veins, pores and lungs. Also said to relieve chronic fatigue.