Seraphinite: Properties, Facts and Photos

What is Seraphinite?

Seraphinite is a trade name for a type of clinochlore, a relatively rare mineral found in the Lake Baikal region of Siberia.

Clinochlore belongs to the chlorite group of minerals.

Seraphinite is widely used as a gemstone because of its feather-like patterns. These attractive markings come from inclusions of mica.

The mica can cause seraphinite to become slightly chatoyant. Chatoyance is a silky, reflective sheen that shifts with the light.

Seraphinite is believed to have been discovered in the 1800s but only appeared outside of Russia quite recently. It's mined at Korshunovskoe, an iron mine in eastern Siberia. 

As larger quantities of seraphinite reached Europe and the rest of the world, it quickly caught the attention of rock and mineral enthusiasts. Although it has gradually become more readily available, top-grade seraphinite is still difficult to find.

Due to the ongoing situation in Russia, high tariffs and trade restrictions have significantly reduced its availability.

Despite its popularity as a gemstone, seraphinite is very soft, making it difficult to work with. On the Mohs scale of hardness, it grades 2 to 2.5, which is similar to a fingernail.

The Seraphim Angels

The name 'seraphinite' is believed to have come from the Latin 'seraphim' (plural seraphin).  

Referenced in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, the seraph, which literally means 'the burning one,' is described as a heavenly or celestial being.

Widely thought of as a burning or flaming angel, the seraphim are said to be among the highest-ranking order of angels.

Some interpret the word seraphim slightly differently and believe it may actually mean 'fiery flying serpent.'

In 1667, the English poet John Milton used the word seraph in his poem Paradise Lost, which is a work within the genre of Christian theology.

The white, feathery patterns in seraphinite are likened to angel wings, further reinforcing its association with the angelic realm. Some believe that working with seraphinite can facilitate communication with angels or promote a sense of spiritual connection.

It's important to note that the connection between seraphinite and the Seraphim angels is primarily symbolic and based on interpretation rather than empirical evidence.

The feathery patterns, caused by inclusions of silvery-white mica, usually radiate outwards.

Article Pictures

The clinochlore in our first picture is in the Harvard Museum of Natural History, Cambridge, Massachusetts. Photo by Stone Mania.

The second picture is courtesy of Stan Celestian. Both are clickable and redirect to the original image.