Ophite stone – properties, virtues & benefits
Ophite Stone, also known as serpentinite, is a green metamorphic rock composed mainly of serpentinite. It’s known for its unique serpentine texture and corrosion resistance, making it a popular building material for architectural and artistic projects. Find out more about its properties and uses.
OPHITE CHARACTERISTICS
- Chakra: Heart.
- Properties: Healing, stabilizing, calming and relaxing properties.
- Astrology: Neptune.
- Zodiac: Pisces.
- Elements: Water and Earth.
- Colors: Olive green, dark green, yellow green.
- Hardness: 2.5-4 on the Mohs scale.
- Chemical Formula: Mg3Si2O5(OH)4.
- Associated god: None.
OPHITE – HIS HISTORY
The natural stone called Ophite, sometimes called Ophiolite, is olive-green in color and has a distinct appearance, similar to that of a reptile’s scales. This stone has protective properties and can provide an inexplicable sense of well-being. It takes its name from its green, snake-like appearance. Although there are many colors and varieties of stone on Earth, Ophite is often olive-green in color and can be difficult to identify in its raw state.
Ophite is rich in trace elements, including nickel, aluminum, zinc and manganese, and is formed through a chemical process involving peridotite and the water molecules present in the earth’s crust. Ophite deposits are found mainly in the United States, Zimbabwe, Norway, Russia and Great Britain. This stone has been known since antiquity for its medicinal virtues and is said, according to certain legends, to have the ability to cure snakebites and poisoning simply by contact with the skin.
To better understand and choose your stone, we’ll present its symbolism in a journal.
In some parts of Africa, Ophiolite is considered a symbol of strength, movement and fertility. In the ancient Greek EmPire, it was associated with freedom, divination, harmony and insPiration. During the Roman EmPire, it was believed to have the power to heal the sPirit of warriors. In ancient Greece, it was also used as a ceremonial stone, and glasses and vases cut from this green rock were used to preserve remedies. It was believed that Ophiolite could improve the quality and shelf life of liquids.
In 1965, Ophiolite became the official stone of California. In France, there are few deposits of this stone, so it has to be imported from various parts of the world. However, it can be found in the Landes, Vendée and Isère regions of France, although not in sufficient quantity to speak of deposits. French jewelers use this stone to create bracelets, pendants or necklaces because of its appearance and beneficial properties.
OPHITE STONE – ITS ORIGIN AND COMPOSITION
Ophiolite is actually a doleritic rock with a similar structure, but a totally different mineralogical inversion. It is easily recognized by its large pyroxene crystals enveloPing plagioclase. The stone’s name is insPired by the appearance of snakeskin, and the light spots on its surface are representative of plagioclase feldspar. This stone is formed by the crystallization of magma that has not been able to reach the earth’s surface. The melting process produces a micro-grained texture that is intermediate between volcanic and plutonic magma. Ophiolite is generally found in the form of intrusive veins in the Pyrenees. It is often necessary to drill to depths of over 200 meters to find stones that were created several hundred million years ago.
Ophiolite is mainly used for the construction of large riprap and the protection of dikes on certain beaches, such as Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Unlike most natural stones, its name is not derived from its color or special physical characteristic, but rather from the Latin “serpentinus” or the Greek “ophios”.
OPHITE STONE – VERTIES AND PROPERTIES
OPHITE ON THE PSYCHOLOGICAL LEVEL
For centuries, the Ophite stone has been considered a symbol of freedom. It is known to help rediscover a zest for life and follow personal asPirations. It protects against negative influences and the judgment of others by absorbing bad energies. This stone brings a sense of fulfillment and actively combats stress, helPing to enjoy the present moment and forget melancholy. It is recommended for people who find it difficult to let go of the past. Placing the stone near your bedside table can help you get back to a good night’s sleep and encourage dreams and their interpretation. Ophiolite can also help open the chakras and establish a better relationship between body and mind.
OPHITE ON THE PHYSICAL LEVEL
According to tradition, Ophiolite has the power to heal snakebites and the bites of venomous animals such as toads. It is also reputed to protect against physical aggression, making it an ideal stone to take with you when traveling. This stone has soothing properties and can relieve headaches and stabilize tension. In lithotherapy, it is said to regulate the endocrine glands and improve hormone secretion, making it a useful stone for preventing or stabilizing diabetes. In addition, Ophiolite can have a beneficial effect on intestinal transit and heart rate, which can be strained during periods of intense stress.
OPHITE – ASSOCIATIONS
Every natural stone has a different energy. Some are gentle, while others are more dynamic, so it’s important to associate minerals well so as not to impact their natural properties. Ophiolite acts on the frontal chakra, which lies between the two eyes and is reputed to awaken consciousness and bring a certain mental balance. This chakra has a direct influence on the body’s nervous system and hormones. It can therefore be a good idea to combine Ophiolite with stones such as Labradorite, Cyanite, Dumortierite or Falcon’s Eye.
Ophiolite also has an effect on the throat chakra, which brings self-confidence and develops communication. This chakra physically acts on the thyroid, throat and ears. It can be beneficial to combine this mineral with stones such as Larimar, Blue Opal, Angelite or Chalcedony to multiply its benefits tenfold. For a complete mind-body connection, we recommend combining Ophiolite with Jade and Aventurine. Don’t hesitate to seek professional advice to find the best possible combination of stones for your personal needs.
OPHITE STONE – CLEAN AND RECHARGE
In its natural state, Ophite stone purifies and recharges naturally in the earth, with sunlight or spring water, with no human intervention necessary. However, as soon as you have one in your home, it becomes your responsibility to look after it by purifying and recharging it regularly, so that it can retain its positive energy and benefits.
After a certain period of use, the stone may weaken, as it loses its energy in bringing you its benefits. To purify it, you can rinse it briefly in unsalted water, or use an incense stick if you’re not sure about the water. To recharge it, place it outside for at least two hours in the early morning or late evening with low light and near a Quartz to protect it.
If you find your stone lacks sparkle, you can gently wipe it with a clean cloth, but it’s important to handle your Ophite stone with care to avoid scratching or damaging it.
WHERE DOES THE NAME OPHITE COME FROM?
The name “ophite” comes from the ancient Greek “ophis”, meaning “snake”. It was given to this rock because of its serpentine texture, which results from the presence of serpentinite, the main component of ophite stone. Serpentinite is a rock rich in serpentine minerals, which are hydrated magnesium silicates. Ophite stone is thus named for its resemblance to snakeskin.
WHICH CHAKRA DOES OPHITE ACT ON?
Ophite acts primarily on the heart chakra, which is located in the center of the chest. In lithotherapy, ophite stone is often used to help open and balance the heart chakra, which is associated with love, compassion, emotional healing, self-acceptance and acceptance of others. Ophite stone is also considered a stabilizing, calming and relaxing stone that can help reduce stress and anxiety, promote restful sleep, and improve mental clarity and focus.
WHICH ASTROLOGICAL SIGN IS ASSOCIATED WITH OPHITE?
Ophite is associated with the zodiac sign of Pisces in astrology. Pisces is ruled by the planet Neptune, which is associated with intuition, imagination, creativity, healing and sPirituality. Ophite stone is considered beneficial for people born under the sign of Pisces, as it can help balance their emotional energy, promote their overall well-being, stimulate their creativity and intuition, and help them connect with their inner sPirituality.
OPHITE STONE SUMMARY
Ophite stone is a volcanic magmatic rock composed mainly of pyroxene and feldspar. It takes its name from the resemblance of its appearance to the skin of a snake. It forms by crystallization of magma deep in the Earth’s crust, and can be found in active tectonic environments such as subduction zones.
Ophite stone has a fine to coarse texture and can vary in color from dark green to black. It is often used in building construction, roadworks, sculpture and jewelry.
On a geological level, ophite stone can be used as an indicator of plate tectonics and the geological history of the region in which it is found. It can also provide clues to the composition and structure of the earth’s lithosphere.