Although jade and serpentine look alike, it is important that we understand which crystal we are buying. Not only because it changes the value and care of a stone but also because of the metaphysical properties associated with them. Although both stones are green, here are some traits that can help you determine which stone you are looking at:
Serpentine is more patterned, which you can also feel. Jade is smoother and also much rarer. As a result, serpentine is often used as a replacement for jade. Metaphysically, serpentine is used for gaining clarity, while jade is most often used for luck and fortune.
Continue reading if you want to know more about the difference between these beautiful stones.
Also Read: White Jade vs. Green Jade – What’s The Difference?
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Color
These stones are both green and can look very similar. As a result, serpentine is often used to make a beautiful, inexpensive jade look alike. However, the colors of serpentine and jade can differ depending on the variety.
Jade has two varieties: nephrite (beige or green) and jadeite (many different colors), while serpentine varieties are Lizardite (green, brown, light yellow), Chrysotile (white or grey), and Antigorite (dark green, black, yellow).
Serpentines often receive dye treatment to enhance their color, sometimes even beyond their natural range, like purple. Besides jade, a dyed serpentine can also simulate other gemstones, such as sugilite.
Pattern and Clarity
Serpentine stones are naturally patterned with a slippery feel. They are often translucent and have a waxy luster.
Depending on the variety, jades will vary in clarity, mostly semi-translucent to opaque. In fact, clarity is an important factor in the market value of jades; the more translucent the higher the price.
A jadeite’s luster is glassy, while a nephrite’s luster is oily.
Also Read: Jade vs. Jadeite – What’s The Difference?
Location
The nephrite jade variety is found worldwide, while jadeites are rarely found. The main source of jade is the Myanmar region. Jade can also be found in Russia, Guatemala, and New Zealand.
There are serpentine deposits in Myanmar as well. Most of the serpentine comes from Afghanistan, but it can also be found in California and the Ural Mountains in Russia.
Hardness
Jade is a tougher stone compared to serpentine. Both jade varieties rate higher than serpentine on the Mohs scale, with jadeites rating 6.5-7 and nephrites slightly lower at 6- 6.5.
Serpentines rate 2.5- 5.5 depending on their variety. Bowenite, a type of antigorite, is the hardest of the serpentines, rating 5.5 on the Mohs scale.
Also Read: Jade vs. Emerald – What’s The Difference?
Because of their low score, serpentines are not very scratch resistant. Jewelry made of serpentine will need more care and occasional wear to last longer. Preferably for pendants and earrings. However, Serpentine’s soft nature also makes them the best architectural stone for their ease of being polished and cut.
Care
Jades are porous stones. A mild detergent, some warm water, and a soft brush are the best ways to clean jades. Mechanical cleaning systems may ruin jade stones, especially fractured ones. Due to their porosity, harsh chemicals and acid treatments should be avoided.
Mechanical cleaning systems do not work well for serpentine stones because they are softer. Warm water, soap, and a soft brush will be all you need to clean these stones. After cleaning, wipe the stone with a cloth not impregnated with an abrasive material. Make sure the rocks are dry before storage or wearing. S
Because of their low scores on the Mohs scale of hardness, it is not recommended to soak jade or serpentine in water to energetically cleanse it. This will cause the stones to become dull and brittle.
The same goes for salt – it is best avoided for both of these stones.
If you want to recharge these stones, place them in the moonlight overnight, or in soft sunlight for an hour. To cleanse them, you can smoke cleanse, meditate with them, or use sound.
Also Read: Jade vs. Malachite – What’s The Difference?
Jade vs Serpentine – Metaphysical Properties
Both stones possess great spiritual and health benefits and are beneficial for the home. The stones both protect the wearer from harm and are great at clearing negative energies. They steer thoughts towards positive thinking and action. As a result, they both help with attracting money and wealth. They are great talismans for growth in business, career goals, and achieving ambitions.
Both stones also have potent healing properties. Jades are believed to heal kidney stones and stomach-related illnesses. They are also good for emotional and physical healing.
Serpentine is believed to lower blood pressure and relieve headaches. Modern artisans ingrain serpentine in pottery believed to be good for people with diabetes.
Note that crystals are never a replacement for good medical care. If you are experiencing issues see a physician and follow their instructions.
Chakra Association
The word ‘chakra’ refers to the energy points of the body, which each deal with different parts of our lives. We can associate crystals to each of these chakras, depending on their color and properties.
- Root chakra
The root chakra is related to grounding and safety. It is located at the base of the spine and is represented by red.
- Sacral chakra
The chakra is associated with creativity and self-awareness. The sacral chakra is the area below the belly button and is represented by orange.
- Solar plexus chakra
The chakra is related to self-confidence and intelligence. The solar plexus chakra is located near the naval and is represented by yellow.
- Heart chakra
The chakra is associated with unconditional love and empathy for oneself and others. It is located at the center of the chest and is represented by green.
- Throat chakra
The chakra is related to clear communication and expression. It is located in the throat area and is represented by blue.
- Third eye chakra
The chakra is related to intellect. The third eye chakra is located in the middle of the forehead and is represented by purple or indigo.
- Crown Chakra
This chakra offers a connection to the divine. It is represented by white or violet and is located at the top of the head.
Different jades are associated with various chakras depending on the colors they represent. The green jade is closely related to the heart, just like green serpentines are.
Wearing a green serpentine or jade pendant that touches the heart chakra is recommended for the purpose of unblocking this chakra. However, natural green serpentines are also known to clear energies in all chakras. As a result, this stone is connected to the crown chakra, the chakra that connects to the divine and unlocks psychic abilities.
If you’re wanting to use these crystals to meditate and work on the heart chakra, following a guided meditation might be beneficial. Especially if this is your first time. Below you’ll find a guided meditation that might be helpful.
Elements and Ruling Planets
Crystals and stones are believed to be closely related to the various elements of nature and the planets in our solar system. The five elements of nature are fire, water, air, earth, and Akasha.
- Earth
The earth element represents grounding and stability. The stones associated with this element will bring growth and prosperity to the owner.
- Water
Water is the most powerful of all aspects of nature.
The water element is associated with protection, cleansing, and healing properties.
- Air
This element is related to a person’s mental state and intellect. This element invites open-mindedness and tolerance.
- Fire
The element represents creativity and passion. The fire element energies are associated with manifesting personal power.
- Akasha
Akasha is the most invisible of all elemental energies. Identifying the Akasha element is the first major step before meditation. Akasha is important to all other natural elements.
Both stones are powerful earth elements, seen from their rich green color. These stones bring a better connection to mother nature and other elemental energies. As a result, they are great for the grounding and stability of an individual.
In terms of planets, jade is ruled by Mercury, the planet connected to communication and reasoning, while serpentine is ruled by Saturn, the planet of determination and responsibility.
Zodiac Signs and Birthstones
All zodiac signs are linked to a crystal, depending on their birthstones and planet association. Jades are mystical birthstones for people born in March and are thus connected to Aries’ and Pisces’ born in that month. Jade is also connected to Mercury, which is also the planet that rules Virgo and Gemini. The association with Mercury enables better communication and rational decisions for this zodiac.
Serpentines are good for Capricorns as they share the same ruling planet of Saturn. It helps Capricorns with endurance and purpose. Serpentine is not connected to any other zodiac signs, but that does not mean you cannot wear it if you are not a Capricorn!
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