Serpentine beads are from a gem species consisting of two aggregates:  the leafy antigorite and the fibrous chrystolite. The stone has a greasy luster and the colors are often spotty with varied hues which can be dyed to violet, gold, vermillion and cream. The stone is often confused with Jade but it is not a Jade variety. The deposits are found in Afghanistan, China, New Zealand and the United States.