The stellar classification of this star is O9.5 V,[3] with the luminosity class of V indicating that it is generating energy in its core by the nuclear fusion of hydrogen.

From the Earth, a significant fraction of the light from this star is absorbed by interstellar dust, particularly at the blue end of the spectrum.

In fact, were it not for this dust, ζ Ophiuchi would shine several times brighter and be among the very brightest stars visible.

[19] The pulsar PSR B1929+10 may be the leftover remnant of this supernova, as it too was ejected from the association with a velocity vector that fits the scenario.

[3] ζ Ophiuchi was a member of indigenous Arabic asterism al-Nasaq al-Yamānī, "the Southern Line" of al-Nasaqān "the Two Lines",[21] along with α Serpentis (Unukalhai), δ Ser (Qin, Tsin), ε Ser (Ba, Pa), δ Ophiuchi (Yed Prior), ε Oph (Yed Posterior) and γ Oph (Tsung Ching).

[22] According to the catalogue of stars in the Technical Memorandum 33-507 – A Reduced Star Catalog Containing 537 Named Stars, al-Nasaq al-Yamānī or Nasak Yamani was the title for two stars: δ Serpentis as Nasak Yamani I and ε Ser as Nasak Yamani II (exclude this star, α Ser, δ Ophiuchi, ε Oph and γ Oph)[23] In Chinese, 天市右垣 (Tiān Shì Yòu Yuán), meaning Right Wall of Heavenly Market Enclosure, refers to an asterism which is represent eleven old states in China which is marking the right borderline of the enclosure, consisting of ζ Ophiuchi, β Herculis, γ Herculis, κ Herculis, γ Serpentis, β Serpentis, α Serpentis, δ Serpentis, ε Serpentis, δ Ophiuchi and ε Ophiuchi.

[24] Consequently, the Chinese name for ζ Ophiuchi itself is 天市右垣十一 (Tiān Shì Yòu Yuán shíyī, English: the Eleventh Star of Right Wall of Heavenly Market Enclosure), represent the state Han (韓),[25][26][27] together with 35 Capricorni[28] in Twelve States (asterism).