Serpentine has been cherished by many ancient civilizations, including the Sumerians, Assyrians, Persians, and Egyptians, for crafting exquisite seals and cylinder seals. These civilizations harnessed the unique qualities of this stone, which, once polished, reveals a greasy and oily surface that prevents clay or wax from adhering to the seal during application.As early as the emergence of the cylinder seal in Mesopotamia around 3500 BC, serpentine proved to be one of the finest materials for these intricate objects.
The Romans extensively employed serpentine in their decorative ornaments, valuing it as a form of precious marble. They referred to it as “lapis atracius,” now known as ophicalcite, whose renowned varieties include Genoese Green and Maurin Green.In Italy, from the Roman era to the Middle Ages, “sorcerers” attributed serpentine with the power to protect against snake bites and even to extract venom when necessary. This belief in its protective properties is echoed in other civilizations worldwide, with some suggesting that this characteristic bestowed the stone with its very name.
The enduring fascination with serpentine and its purported healing powers has persisted through the ages, solidifying its status as a mystical and protective gem.In India, the city of Bhera was famed for centuries for its relatively pure serpentine and exceptional carving craftsmanship.
Bhera artisans created a variety of precious objects from this stone, including sculptures, cups, sword handles, and other ornaments. Indians referred to this ore as “Sang-i-Yashm”. The Maoris of New Zealand carved sacred objects from serpentine, which they called Tangiwai, meaning “tears” in Maori. This name derives from the stone’s relative transparency, evoking the clarity of tears. According to Maori legend, serpentine was considered the petrified tears of a woman, adding a mythical and spiritual dimension to this sacred stone. The Maoris used serpentine to create ritual and symbolic objects, often associating it with ceremonies and religious rituals.Since 1965, serpentine has been the official stone of the state of California in the United States, celebrated for its beauty and variety of colors.
© Havec Studio 2026
