Serpentine may refer to any of 20 varieties belonging to the serpentine group. Owing to admixture, these varieties are not always easy to individualize, and distinctions are not usually made. There are three important mineral polymorphs of serpentine: antigorite, chrysotile and lizardite. Serpentine gets its name from the word "serpent" because it resembles the skin of a snake. It is sometimes called New Jade and occurs in a variety of colors including red, green, brown-red, brown-yellow and white. It has been used since ancient times to guard against disease and sorcery. Found in central and northern California in the Coast Ranges, Klamath Mountains, and Sierra Nevada foothills. Also known as Arizona lizard stone.