13/07/2026
Ophite – Noble Serpentine
Ophite, also known commercially as noble or precious serpentine, is an attractive ornamental stone valued for its green coloration, smooth texture, and waxy to greasy luster. Its shades may range from pale yellow-green and apple green to deep forest green, often with natural mottling, veins, or darker inclusions.
Noble serpentine is not a single mineral species but a compact variety of minerals from the serpentine group. Gem-quality material is commonly composed mainly of antigorite; harder varieties may also be referred to as bowenite.
Chemical composition:
Hydrated magnesium silicate, approximately Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄
Iron and other elements may partially replace magnesium, so the composition is sometimes written as (Mg,Fe)₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄.
Properties:
Hardness: approximately 3–5.5 on the Mohs scale, depending on the variety
Luster: waxy, greasy, silky, or vitreous
Transparency: translucent to opaque
Color: yellow-green, apple green, olive green, dark green, brownish green, or almost black
Structure: compact, massive, and fine-grained
The harder noble-serpentine varieties are suitable for cabochons, beads, carvings, and decorative objects. Bowenite, one of the hardest gem varieties of serpentine, usually reaches approximately 5–5.5 on the Mohs scale.
In traditional crystal healing, noble serpentine is associated with inner peace, emotional balance, protection, and a stronger connection with nature. These effects have not been scientifically proven.
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