THE MATERIAL LIBRARY
Seraphinite
A trade name for attractive, patterned clinochlore-rich material.
Colors & patterns
Deep green with silvery, feathery or fan-like patterns.
Typical origins
Associated with the Lake Baikal region of Siberia, Russia.
Hardness
About 2–2.5
Choosing & setting this material
Its silky patterns are beautiful under a dome, but the material is very soft. Choose a protected pendant or earrings rather than an exposed ring.
Care & cleaning
Wipe gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry promptly. Avoid soaking, acids, solvents, steam and ultrasonic cleaning. Store separately to protect the surface.
Origins above describe typical sources of the material, not the origin of an illustrated or stocked stone. Hardness measures scratch resistance, not resistance to breaking. Confirm the identity and treatments of the actual piece.
Further reading: Material reference · GIA: gem treatments