Seraphinite is a trade name for a feathery green form of clinochlore, a natural mineral from Siberia. It is very soft, and its silvery streaks shimmer as it moves.
Phyllosilicate (chlorite group) · Clinochlore
Seraphinite
Serafinita
- Palette
- Green Gray
- Mined in
- Russia
- Hardness
- Mohs 2.0–2.5 ?
- See-through
- opaque
- Known since
- 1851
- Named for
- the seraphim, for its feather-like look
- Also sold as
- clinochlore, silver plume seraphinite
- Intention
- Protection New Beginnings
- Looking for
- Protection Hope Goals and motivation
- Water
- Keep it dry; wipe with a soft cloth
- Dye or finish
- No published disclosure was fetched, so what is done to the beads is not established; the silvery feathers are part of the mineral itself.
Not in our pieces now
PERSBERG
Skarn, the rock type of the Siberian deposit that yields seraphinite, is an old Swedish mining word first applied at Persberg.
2-2.5
Seraphinite, a dense form of clinochlore, rates only 2 to 2.5 on the Mohs scale.
CHLOROS
Seraphinite belongs to the chlorite group, named from the Greek chloros, meaning green.
What it is
A deep green stone with silvery, feather-like streaks that shimmer as it turns, which is chatoyancy. Seraphinite is a trade name for a form of clinochlore, a natural chlorite mineral, not dyed or man-made. It is very soft, so beads are usually polished smooth and handled gently.
What gives it its color
Seraphinite is a dark-green chlorite mineral (clinochlore) whose silvery, feather-like plumes come from fine reflective fibers that radiate through the stone.
Where it comes from
Seraphinite comes from one place, the Korshunovskoye iron deposit in Irkutsk Oblast in eastern Siberia, Russia, where it is recovered from iron mining so supply is limited.
What's said about it
In crystal lore today, seraphinite is the stone people keep for their guardian angels and spirit guides. It's thought of as a stone of protection and quiet hope.
One practice is to hold it, name a wish, and sit with it for a few minutes each day.
People keep it on an altar or in a quiet corner, or wear it carefully as jewelry.
How people wear or keep it: On an altar, in a quiet corner, held in the hands, or worn carefully on the wrist.
In crystal practice
In the crystal tradition, seraphinite is paired with the heart chakra, so practitioners rest it there during meditation or lie down with it in place for a few quiet minutes. Day to day, the same tradition suggests keeping it close: on an altar, in a quiet corner, held in the hands. People reach for it when they want protection, hope, goals and motivation, and many set an intention when they put it on. Most practitioners cleanse a new stone first (running water only if the stone can take it, otherwise smoke or moonlight) and set it aside now and then to rest.
These are beliefs people have held and still hold about the stone, reported as such. Nothing here is a promise or a medical claim. We sell stones as jewelry, not for these effects.
Associations
The chakra and star sign this stone is usually matched with. These are popular traditions, not facts about the stone.
ChakraHeart
ZodiacTaurus
ElementEarth
Also calledclinochlore, silver plume seraphinite
Care
- Very soft; it scratches and chips easily, so keep it apart from other stones.
- Wipe with a soft dry cloth; avoid soaking, soap and ultrasonic cleaners.
- Take it off before washing hands, swimming or heavy work.
- Keep away from perfumes, hairspray and other chemicals.
How to tell what you have
- Seraphinite is a soft (Mohs about 2 to 2.5, chlorite group) green stone with silvery feather-like patterns, from one deposit in Siberia.
- Green dyed stone or glass can imitate it; real feathering runs through the stone.
What sets the price
Price follows how strong and clear the silvery feather shimmer is against the deep green and bead size; the stone is very soft, so the quality of the finish matters.
Questions people ask at our table
What is seraphinite?
A trade name for a feathery form of clinochlore, a green chlorite mineral. The silvery streaks are part of the natural stone.
Is seraphinite natural or dyed?
It is natural and naturally green. Its shimmer is natural chatoyancy, not a coating.
Where does it come from?
Siberia, Russia, from a deposit in the Irkutsk region.
Is it fragile?
Yes. It is very soft, so it scratches and chips easily. Keep it away from water, knocks and harder stones.
How do I tell it from other green stones?
Look for the feather-like silver streaks that move in the light. Green aventurine sparkles with flecks instead, and moss agate has green threads in a translucent stone.
Not in our pieces right now
Stones we do carry that are close to it are listed under related stones.
Stay in the loop
Sign up to hear about new product drops, upcoming events, and the latest from Peritik. No spam, just the good stuff.