Jadeite, Jade

The following are some interesting facts on Jade taken from a site on the net. Jadeite (JADE) The name jade is derived from the Spanish 'piedra de ijada', loin-stone, jade having been recognised by the Amerindians as a remedy for kidney ailments. Jade is found in metamorphic rocks and is alluvial pebbles and boulders. In prehistoric times, however, it was esteemed rather more for its toughness, which made it an ideal material for weapons and tools. For centuries, jade was thought to be a single gemstone, but in 1863 two types were recognized: jadeite and nephrite. Both are tough, fine-grained rocks, suitable for carving. Yet as early as 3000 B.C. jadite was known in China as 'yu', the 'royal gem'. Nephrite jade has been carved by Chinese for over 2000 years, although the raw material was first imported from Turkestan and Central Asia. Jadeite is found in metamorphic rocks. The main source of Jade is Burma and it has supplied China with Translucent imperial Jade for over 200 years. Other countries where Jade is found are Guatemala, USA and Japan. Jadeite occurs in a wide variety of colors including green, pink, white, liliac, red, blue, black, and orange. The most prized variety, imperial jade, is a rich emerald green, due to chromium. Jadeite commonly has a dimpled surface when polished. In general, the value of jade is determined according to its colour and the intensity of that colour, the vivacity and texture, and its clarity and transparency. Some develop a brown skin due to weathering and is often incorporated into carvings and worked pieces. The most important source of jade is Burma. Symbolic energy and beauty, the traditional and the modern are combined in jade in a particularly harmonious way. And in gemstone therapy it is said that jade 'stimulates creativity and mental agility on the one hand, while also having a balancing and harmonising effect.' So this beautiful gemstone brings us joy, vivacity and happiness all at the same time. Nephrite on the other hand is more common. It occurs as aggregates of fibrous crystals which makes it ideal for carving weapons and ornaments. Nephrite occurs in shades of dark blackish iron rich green and cream magnesium rich shade. It is mostly found in Burma, China, Russia, New Zealand and Australia.

Jade: History and Myth

Jade is listed as the Mystical birthstone for the month of March and the birthstone for the Sun Sign Virgo. See the birthstone tables for additional references to this stone. Jade may be given as a gem on the 12th 30th and 35th wedding anniversary.

Jade is the term applied to forms of jadeite and nephrite. These minerals are similar in appearance and a distinction between the two often was not made. But, because of its more intense color and translucency, jadeite now brings higher prices and is thought to be the true jade

The most valuable form of jade is known as imperial jade and comes from Myanmar, it is an emerald green color. Jades also appear in mottled green and white, and the rarer colors of yellow, pink, purple, and black. The range of greens are light to dark, creamy, grayish, and also white. A leek green variety called "Russian Jade" is found near Lake Baikal in Russia.

Jade is also found in Mexico, and Central and South America. Because of its smooth even texture, jade has long been a preferred material for carving and is usually cut into cabochons for jewelry.

The color of the stone is the most important factor but translucency and texture are important criteria determining price. Jade is a 6 1/2-7 on the Mohs scale of hardness.

Folklore, Legend, and Healing Properties:
Thought to protect the kidneys, liver, spleen, heart, larynx, thymus, and thyroid. Ancient people thought that wearing jade would increase body strength and add longevity. Jade is an ancient symbol of love and virtue.