Green Serpentine 21-28mm abstract flower beads (ETB00289)

Green Serpentine

The name serpentine refers to a group of predominantly green minerals that occur in masses of small intergrown crystals. Some say this stone earned it's name from the word "serpent" as it's coloring resembles the skin of a snake.
It was in the 19th century that people became aware of the fire resistant nature of serpentine, as a result is was utilized in many materials and fabrics. According to legend, Romans used this stone as protection against sorcery and the dark arts. Vessels were made of serpentine, as they were said to shatter is they came into contact with poison. Therefore many ancients began using serpentine to craft drinking vessels.
In the ancient civilizations of America, serpentine was considered as a guardian of vital energy as well as a protector of the soul against invisible powers.
In the Middle Ages, serpentine was used to house medicine as it was told to increase the healing powers of the medicine and to make it last longer.

Dimensions of beads:

Size: 25 x 25.5 x 5 mm
- this is only an approximate, the size varies slightly.

Length: 16 inch