Gem Library

BUYER’S OVERVIEW:
Seraphinite is considered to be a semi-precious gemstone and while its availability is limited, good size, clean, natural stones are available. A single source gem, Seraphinite is found only near Lake Baikal in Eastern Siberia, Russia. The color of Seraphinite is a deep forest green with silver striations of mica running throughout, taking on a iridescent quality, the intensity of which changes with the brightness and angle of the light it is being viewed under. Seraphinite is often referred to as “angel stone” due to the feathery silver-colored inclusions of Mica. The best gems will have a rich forest green color with silver patterns running through it and slight to moderate chatoyancy that give it a silky or pearly luster.

COLOR:
Seraphinite is a deep forest green with feathery silver-colored inclusions of Mica.

APPEARANCE:
Semi translucent to opaque.

Phenomena: Seraphinite may exhibit the phenomena of Chatoyancy, a striking three dimensional effect typically seen in tiger eye quartz.

SIZE RANGE:
1 – 20 carats, cabochons over 100 carats are known.

TYPICAL CUTTING STYLES:
Semi Transparent to opaque: cabochons, beads and carvings

POSSIBLE ENHANCEMENTS & TREATMENTS:
Seraphinite has no known enhancements.

HARDNESS:
2 to 2½ on the Mohs scale.

BEST USE OF THE GEMSTONE:
Seraphinite is not a strong gemstone and as such, earrings, pendants, pins, and tie tacks are probably the safest choice for this stone. Rings should be limited to occasional wear and the stones should be set with a protective setting. Avoid rough handing, Seraphinite needs special care to avoid scratching.

CARE & CLEANING:
It is best to never expose colored gemstones to cleaning solvents or chemicals of any kind.
Common cleaning methods include:
Ultrasonic: never (easily split by the vibrations)
Steamer: never
Warm soapy water: safe
Reaction to Chemicals: undetermined
Reaction to Heat: undetermined
Stability to Light: generally stable after prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV light.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THIS GEMSTONE:
Seraphinite was first discovered by the Russians in 1947 and as of today it is still a single source gem found only at the Korshunicha Mine along the Chara River Valley in a very remote area of East Central Siberia, about 325 miles North East of Lake Baikal. Seraphinite first became available to the western market in the 1970’s and has become very popular with carvers and lapidaries. The stone gets its name from the Latin word “seraphin,” which means first order of angels. Often referred to as “an angel stone” due to its feathery look, it is also said to have strong Air & Earth qualities as its patterns oftentime resemble the feathers of birds or wispy clouds and the lush pine forests of Russia. Seraphinite is also known as Clinochlore, the name coming from the Greek word “klino” meaning “oblique” or “inclined” and “chloros” meaning “green”. Seraphinite belongs to the group of minerals known as chlorites, which are found in metamorphic rocks.

DESIGNATION:
As a new gem, Seraphinite has no traditions currently associated with it.

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