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The Magic of Rocks and Stones

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Seraphinite (Clinochlore)

Written and compiled by - Patricia Jean Martin 

Seraphinite (or Serefina), also known by the name Clinochlore, is a common member of the Chlorite Group of minerals.  Clinochlore derives its name from the Greek "klino" meaning "oblique" or "inclined" and "chloros" meaning "green" as it is commonly colored deep forest green to green-black with inclusions of silvery Mica.  Seraphinite, is derived from the Latin word "seraphin" referring to the first order of angels.  The allusion to angels is due to the feathery wing patterns made by the silvery Mica contained within the stone.  The Mica inclusions exhibit a chatoyancy, giving Seraphinite a wavery sheen, much like Charoite. 

Seraphinite forms through the metamorphic and hydrothermal alterations of other iron and magnesium silicate minerals.  It crystalizes in the form of foliated or granular masses and also as tabular crystals. 

A Chromium-rich variety of Seraphinite, called Kaemmererite, has a beautiful bright lavender to crimson color.  The mineral Chamosite is an Iron-rich variety of Seraphinite.  Seraphinite is mainly found near the Bratsk and Lake Baikal region of eastern Siberia, Russia, and has become a much sought after stone in the world of metaphysics and mineral collecting.

General Information: 

Chemistry:  (Mg,Fe,Al)6(Si,Al)4 O10(OH)8 - Magnesium Iron Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide.  

Class:  Silicates.

Subclass:  Phyllosilicates.

Group:  Chlorites.

Color:  Usually a deep forest green with feathery silver-colored inclusions of Mica, but also found in yellow, red, brown, tan or white. 

Luster:   Vitreous to pearly.

Crystal System:  Monoclinic; 2/m

Crystal Habit:  Includes pseudohexagonal tabular crystals with pyramid terminations. Foliated, fibrous, granular, or massive. Twinning may be seen in larger specimens.

Cleavage:  Perfect in 1 direction, basal.

Fracture:  Uneven.

Hardness:  2 - 2.5

Specific Gravity:  2.6 - 3.0  

Streak:  Greenish-white or white.

Other Characteristics:  Cleavage flakes are flexible but not elastic.

Notable Occurrences:  Bratsk and Lake Baikal region of Siberia, Russia.

Best Field Indicators:  Crystal habit, softness, color and cleavage.   

Uses:  Jewelry; Collector specimens.  

Myths and Lore:

Often referred to as "an angel stone" due to its feathery look and strong Air to Earth qualities, Seraphinite is said to help facilitate contact and communication with the angels of the highest level.  It is also said that this stone is the leading health-enhancing stone of this age, as it is fairly new to the eyes of the world and it is believed that its time has come to be front and center. 

Because it is relatively new in the world of gems and minerals, though, there is not much myth or lore attached to this particular variety of Chlorite, but current views are that, as an aid in magick, Seraphinite can be used to purify space and to accelerate manifestation and transformation of any kind.  In Chakra work, placing a piece of Seraphinite at the Crown Chakra will help align and balance all the Chakras. 

Seraphinite assists one in healing on all levels, through provoking an understanding of (and a push toward) unconditional love.

Metaphysical Properties:

Astrological Sign(s):  Taurus.

Element(s):  Air and Earth.

Chakra(s):  Heart and Crown.  

Meditation.

Celestial in manner.

Angelic connection and contact.

Astral travel.

Conscious living. 

Awareness.

Balancing.

Order out of chaos.

Promotes positive change.

Purifying.

Unconditional love.

Relationship enhancing.

Strengthening.

Protection. 

*Gives physical aid in treating: Cellular regeneration, purification, toxin elimination, circulatory and nervous system, kidneys, liver. Relief from colds and chills. Aids in weight loss. An all-over general health-enhancing stone.  

*NOTE:  Stone therapy should NOT take the place of medical evaluation and procedures, and should be used merely to enhance one's health and well-being.

My own thoughts and experiences:

I spotted this stone from across a room that was filled with almost every other kind of stone imaginable.  I was at the Franklin Rock & Mineral Show, late in the day, and I was bored.  Outside I hadn't found much of anything new or to my liking, and I had already skimmed the peripheral tables indoors.  But suddenly - and like a refreshing breath of cool Autumn air - a vendor's table in the center of the room caught my eye and came into clear focus.  All else around it seemed shrouded in a mist.  It stood out above and beyond all the rest, and as I rushed toward it I just knew that my rock 'hunting' of the day would not be a total loss. 

As I stood in front of the tabled and cased display of Seraphinites, my eyes wide with excitement at their beauty (and wider still as I viewed the prices), I knew that, regardless, I had to have some.  Each one was more beautiful than the next, and I was like a kid in a candy store!...one of this, two of those, three of these.  The vendors manning this display were Russian, and I had a bit of trouble in my attempt to make them understand that I wanted a box to hold the several pieces I was going to buy.  I believe one of the gentlemen thought I'd said "bucks" and he replied, "Yes, you give us bucks we give you stone." lol.  I laughed and repeated my question - elaborating and drawing the shape of a square in midair, "No, I mean, do you have a BOX that I can put the stones in that I want to buy!"...and I pointed to some box flats on the floor behind him.  A look of recognition came to his face and he smiled, saying, "Oh, yes yes, of course..a box."  As I placed a small treasure trove of Seraphinite into the welcomed box, read the properties on the description paper included, and gave up way too early in my haggling with the Russian accent over price, I thought, well Seraphinite may be good for communicating with Angels, but with humans it takes a bit more effort!  But now on to the stones themselves! 

Seraphinite's beauty is almost beyond compare.  Yet they are cold stones...almost icy to the touch - and in fact the designs in the polished surface of the slabs I obtained very much resemble ice crystals forming on a window pane during a cold winter's frost.  The shimmering silver Mica inclusions fan outward making beautiful patterns on the dark green Chlorite background.  But as cold as the stone actually feels at first touch, I find it heats up quite rapidly in my hand.  At that point the "ice" crystals seemingly "melt" and now appear more reminiscent of soft yet vibrant feathers.  It is then that the stone can take you away on a very celestial journey! 

Both grounding and ethereal at the same time, working with Seraphinite allows you to obtain and retain its divinely inspired messages more easily and subsequently process them more fully within your temporal senses.  Here the ethereal decidedly mingles with the earthly.  Astral travel is enhanced by more vivid imagery and the mind is better able to wrap itself around the meaning of all that is seen there. 

Seraphinite's dark inner matrix suggests its knowledge and understanding of the hidden Mysteries, as the crystal's shimmering bursts of silvery light suggest that what is hidden can be known.  As we seek to know all the inherent components of our highest purpose in life, we look both within and without - and as the latter becomes known, it then joins all that which is within you.  Just as the Shaman can become one and soar with the Eagle (or Crow and Raven in my case), Seraphinite can assist you in connecting with another in a very meaningful and loving way.  It makes getting to the heart of a matter easy.  If you have a particular bird as your Totem Animal, Seraphinite can also help you to relate and know them as kindred just as well. 

Seraphinite is a true Stone of Connection.  With this stone, you will unmistakably feel the unconditional love of the Divine Beings you may call to help guide you...their celestial rhythms making you feel free to dance in the realm of pure love...through the true touch of the Seraphin.

End.

Sources:

"The Book of Stones - Who They Are & What They Teach" ~ Robert Simmons & Naisha Ahsian

"The Crystal Bible" ~ Judy Hall

http://www.mindat.org

http://www.mineralminers.com

http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/silicate/clinochl/clinochl.htm

Photo by: Patricia J. Martin

© 2006 Patricia J. Martin  

Website:  http://www.peacefulpaths.com/