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Precious
serpentine is obtained in many parts of the world, among the localities
being Afghanistan (which furnishes an almost transparent variety in
large masses), the Island of Corsica, Fahlun and Gulso in Sweden, the
Isle of Man, and the Lizard, Cornwall, England.
In
the United States a rich green variety of serpentine, known as
williamsite, is found in Texas, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and is
cut into various charms and ornaments. It varies in color from dark
green to light apple-green. A golden to greenish - yellow serpentine
occurs at Montville, New Jersey, which would admit of use for the
manufacture of small objects, such as dishes and charms.
A
variety of serpentine known as bowenite is found near Smithfield, Rhode
Island, varying in color from pure white to deep green.
A
dark green serpentine occurs at Santa Catalina Island, California,
which is of sufficient homogeneity to be turned into dishes of various
shapes, some being seven or eight inches in diameter.
Serpentine
marble, which usually consists of a mixture of serpentine and calcite,
forms quite extensive deposits at several localities in the country,
among which may be mentioned Moriah, New York; Dublin, Harford County,
Maryland; National City, California; and Valley, Washington. This is
used like marble as slabs for table-tops and wall decorations.
Coarse,
common serpentine forms extensive rock masses, and mountains of it
exist; but the use of the mineral for ornamental purposes is confined
to pieces of pleasing color, homogeneity, and translucency.
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