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Serpentine
The massive varieties of serpentinite are
particularl~ preciated by gemologists when they have a definite,
pi ing color, and are then called simply serpentine or m:
"serpentine jade." The term jade is a misnomer,
bW understandable because, as in the case of jadeite jade
nephrite jade, it relates to the uses made of these mate as
a result of certain properties they possess, rather to their
mineralogical status.
Appearance It is translucent, waxy, usually
gree white to soft pale green. Sometimes, groups or row small,
striking, whitish cloud shapes are visible on th side. The
yellow-green to definite green varieties are common. Multicolored
pieces are also found, with green to green, yellow-green,
or brown patches. Ser: tine is mainly used for the carved
figurines or decor vases up to eight to twelve inches high,
typical of Chc art. Being fairly tenacious (although less
so than jade) suitable for the fashioning of the classic vases
with har chains carved from a sing0e piece of stone.
Very elab. compositions
are often found as well, such as - branches, groups of birds,
and flowering shrubs. S~ use of different patches of color
increases the valL such pieces. But serpentine is used still
more often fc large-scale production of low quality items,
because less costly than true jade and easier to work, being
hard. Typical of this type of work are small elephants c ental
divinities. The less common, green, yellow-greyellow varieties
are also rounded, polished, and madEbeads for necklaces and
bracelets.
Distinctive features When the color is greenish
v. with a waxy translucence and the characteristic :. cloud
formations just below the surface, it is easily re nizable
at first sight. It differs from jadeite jade in hav lower
density and hardness. It is mainly distinguished w nephrite
jade, which is normally a bit less translucent less waxy,
by its density, while the difference in haro is less clear
(the serpentine used for ornamental purp has a hardness range
of 4.5 to 5.
Occurrence Most serpentine used for ornamental
i poses comes from England, New Zealand, Korea, C, and the
United States.
Value Its value is slightly lower than that
of nephrite It is therefore quite high for finely crafted
objects, pos fashioned from multicolored pieces, but distinctly
lo,-. mass-produced items.
Simulants and synthetics Oriental-style figurines
been produced from a light green, translucent, waxy-~ ing
plastic. These are highly deceptive at first sight, locvery
much like serpentine. Their density is much howe, it is not
always easy to detect without proper measurer Serpentine has
not been produced synthetically.
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