Seraphinite (Clinochlore)

This lovely, dark green stone with silvery, chatoyant fibers is called Seraphinite. It is the trade name of a variety of the mineral Clinochlore, a member of the Chlorite Group. Its hardness is 2 – 2.5 (Moh’s Scale) and its Chemical formula is H8 Mg5 Al2 Si3 O18. It was discovered in the “Korshunovskaia” Mine, near Lake Baikal in Eastern Siberia, by Russian mineralogist, Nikolai I. Koksharov, director of the Imperial Mineralogical Society. Because of its feather-like appearance, Seraphinite was equated with wings and got is name from the biblical seraphs or seraphim angels. Some believe that its name is an indication that it may help one contact and communicate with angels. Some also believe that is can be used for healing nerves and brain cells, and also for strengthening and activating all chakras.