Serpentinite (sometimes called “Serpentine”) is a stone containing shades of green, gray, brown, black, and yellow.  Serpentinite receives its name, because its markings often look like the skin of a snake.  Chinese name for Serpentinite in Daoist Stone Medicine (DSM) is Shi men yan or, “stone with snake markings.”
Traditionally, Serpentinite was typically worn as an amulet to ward off evil spirits, and used to remove pathogenic factors by securing the exterior (known as Defensive/Wei Chi in Chinese medicine).  
DSM also lists a function/use of Serpentinite to treat radiation poisoning.  Interestingly, the study of the molecular composition of Serpentinite reveals it has significant amounts of bound water in its structure, and in turn an abundance of hydrogen atoms which slow down neutrons by elastic collision (neutron thermalization process).  Serpentinite has been used as dry filler inside steel jackets in some designs of nuclear reactors.  We see from this example that modern science is once again validating ancient knowledge.
 
*Disclaimer: These statements and descriptions are based on observations from Daoist Stone Medicine and our own Vibrational Testing.  They are intended only for members of our private association and should not be construed as medical claims or advice offered to the public.