Gem library
Seraphinite
Angel wings from Lake Baikal
Seraphinite is a dark green fibrous clinochlore, streaked with silvery plumes that suggest spread wings. It comes only from one Siberian massif near Lake Baikal, and its hardness of 2 to 2.5 makes it one of the softest ornamental stones in the trade.
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 2 – 2.5
- Density
- 2.60 – 2.85
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Refractive index
- 1.571 – 1.599
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {001}
Mineralogical identity
- Family
- Clinochlore — chlorite group (phyllosilicates)
- Species
- Clinochlore
- Variety
- Seraphinite (fibrous clinochlore)
- Chemical formula
- (Mg,Fe)₅Al(Si₃Al)O₁₀(OH)₈
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic (radiating fibrous aggregate)
- Classification
- Collector's mineral · ornamental stone
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Indicative price
- €3 – 30/ct
Etymology
A trade name coined after the seraphim, the six-winged angels of biblical tradition, because of the stone's feathery pattern. Its mineralogical name is clinochlore, described in 1851 by Nikolai Koksharov.
Physical & optical properties
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 2 – 2.5
- Density
- 2.60 – 2.85
- Refractive index
- 1.571 – 1.599
- Birefringence
- 0.004 – 0.010
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {001} — splits into sheets
- Fracture
- Lamellar, earthy
- Lustre
- Pearly to silky
- Diaphaneity
- Opaque
- UV fluorescence
- None
- Pleochroism
- None
- Colours
- green, grey, black, dark green
Formation, geology & history
Formation and pattern
Clinochlore belongs to the chlorite group, magnesium-aluminium phyllosilicates that form during low-grade metamorphism or hydrothermal alteration of basic rocks. At Slyudyanka a particular magnesian skarn setting allowed long, oriented fibres to grow, whose chatoyancy produces the characteristic pattern: pale fan-shaped sheaves on a deep green ground, so regular they resemble plumage. Each plaque is unique, and a piece's value is measured by the contrast and crispness of that pattern rather than by colour itself.
Extremely soft
At 2 to 2.5 on the Mohs scale, seraphinite scratches with a fingernail. That is the hardness of gypsum, below that of a coin. Add perfect cleavage that splits it into sheets, a fibrous structure and sensitivity to water, and it is clear it has no place in a ring. Lapidaries work it into cabochons and polished plaques with particular care, at low speed and without heating, and the polish obtained stays fragile: it dulls at the mere rub of a coarse cloth. It is a display-case stone, or at best a pendant worn sparingly.
A trade name for a common mineral
Clinochlore is a very common mineral: it occurs in green rocks worldwide, with no ornamental interest whatsoever. What is rare is this fibrous, chatoyant variety, limited to one deposit. The name «seraphinite» therefore has no official mineralogical standing — it is a market coinage, invented to sell a stone whose real name means nothing to anyone. It should be added that a strictly defined mineral «seraphinite» does not exist: any confusion with «serafinite» or «seraphite» belongs to the usual commercial vagueness.
How to recognise it
- Silvery plumesThe pattern of pale radiating sheaves on dark green is unique. No other green stone shows this silky plumage, and imitations always render it too regular.
- The fingernail testAt hardness 2-2.5, seraphinite scratches with a fingernail. No common green stone — serpentine, jade, prehnite — is that soft. It is the decisive test, done on the back.
- Cleavage into sheetsOn a fracture, the stone splits into pearly lamellae, like a mica. That sheeted structure rules out massive serpentine and jade.
Imitations, treatments & confusions
- Resin and printed patternsResin cabochons reproduce the plumage by printing. They are very light, warm to the touch, and do not scratch with a fingernail — paradoxically, a stone that is too hard is the sign of a fake here.
- Serpentine and actinolite confusedBoth green and fibrous, but far harder: serpentine is 3-5, actinolite 5-6. Neither shows the radiating feather pattern.
- Massive chlorite sold as seraphiniteIt is genuine clinochlore, but without the chatoyancy or the pattern: a uniform, dull dark green stone. It is authentic and of no ornamental value; the name is then abusive.
Deposits & origins
One deposit in the world: the Korshunovskoye massif, on the Slyudyanka river south of Lake Baikal, Irkutsk oblast, eastern Siberia. Artisanal, seasonal extraction.
Care & precautions
- Dry cleaning with a soft cloth, without pressure. It is the only acceptable method.
- Never water, never soap, never ultrasonic: the sheeted structure absorbs moisture and delaminates.
- Avoid heat, direct sun and any contact with cosmetics or perfume.
- Store isolated in a lined box: at hardness 2, absolutely everything scratches it, including another silver jewel.
Traditions & crystal healing
- Chakras
- Heart · crown
- Zodiac signs
- Pisces · Virgo
- Element
- Earth · Ether
- Month
- March
Its name made its symbolic fortune: crystal healing treats it as the stone of angels and of the reconciliation of heart and mind, often paired with moldavite in contemporary practice. It is credited with soothing and elevating, and is recommended held in the hand rather than worn — advice that, for once, coincides with plain gemmological sense.
The virtues described here belong to tradition and cultural heritage. They are in no way medical advice and never replace a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Can seraphinite be worn in a ring?
No. At hardness 2 to 2.5 it scratches with a fingernail and would wear out within weeks. Reserve it for carefully worn pendants, or better, for collection pieces.
Can it go in water?
No, never. Its sheeted structure absorbs moisture, the polish dulls and the stone eventually delaminates. A dry cloth is the only recommended care.
Is seraphinite a real mineral name?
No, it is a trade name. The mineral is clinochlore, of the chlorite group. The angelic name was coined to sell a fibrous, chatoyant variety of an otherwise very common mineral.