Seraphinite Pendant

Delicate Seraphinite from Russia

Unmistakable seraphinite gemstone mounted as a pendant in a handcrafted sterling silver setting.

Although used as a gemstone seraphinite is very soft.  On Mohs scale of mineral hardness it grades just 2 to 2.5.

Seraphinite is a trade name for a gemstone cut from the mineral clinochlore.  It can only be found in eastern Siberia.

The name seems to have originated from the word 'seraph' which means 'the burning ones'.  It's commonly used in the plural which is 'seraphim'.

In Judaism and Christianity these creatures are described as celestial beings that sit high up on the angelic hierarchy. 

The most likely reason for seraphinite being named after the seraphim is because the stone exhibits white feather-like markings.  These have been likened to the wings of angel.