The history of many minerals goes back centuries. Jade is one of those stones that was discovered by cavemen. Mentions about this gem are endless, and the origin of its name is rather unusual. In addition, this ornamental nugget is a symbol of one great, ancient country.
History and origin
Jade once helped the first people a lot, as it served as a raw material for the manufacture of primitive tools. The finds of Cro-Magnon settlements proved that the points of spears, knives, and axes were made of this mineral.
This use of the nugget was possible due to the unusual combination of two physical properties - hardness and toughness. Thanks to these features, the jade weapon was durable, did not break, did not crumble, did not split into pieces.
Later, when the primitive system was left far behind, jade lost its original significance. But the story of the stone did not end there. Along with the development of civilization, jade has become for people something more than just a mineral - the gem has acquired a cult significance.
The stone took a special place among the inhabitants of China. The people of the Celestial Empire made occult objects, amulets, amulets from a gem. Gems were carved from the mineral, depicting the symbols of their culture on them - the silhouettes of a peach, lotus, fish, phoenix, deer. The nugget served as material for gravestones.
Do you know that today jade is the national symbol of the Chinese. In this country, the mineral is associated with the embodiment of the spirit of the Chinese people.
Interestingly, the second name of the gem is Chinese jade. However, this name refers individually to jade only since 1863. Until this moment, the mineral jadeite also fell under this name, until mineralogists finally divided these two stones by classification.
The very same word "jade" came to us from the Greek "nephros" (kidney) and is translated literally as "like a kidney." This is not surprising, since the processed nugget often resembles a human kidney in its shape and size. In addition, nephritis has a direct impact on the health of the genitourinary system.
The trace of the stone in history stretches further to Central Asia, where the nugget served as a facing material for buildings, as well as as a raw material for the creation of religious and cultural structures. A 6-meter high statue of Buddha and a tombstone of Tamerlane, a conqueror in Central Asian culture, were made from a unique black variety of gem.
The history of various Indian tribes inhabiting the central part of America was not without jade. For the Incas, Aztecs and Mayans, the nugget was on a special account. The figures of sacred idols were carved from the stone, amulets, breastplates, as well as all kinds of ornaments were made.
In some English-language written sources, jade is referred to as the "Maori stone". The Maori tribes are considered the aborigines of New Zealand. Their culture tells about jade as a stone that separates two worlds - the world of the living and the world of the dead. Therefore, the Maori used the mineral exclusively for the manufacture of gravestones and other funeral paraphernalia.
The peoples of the countries of the Middle East revered the stone as a talisman of warriors. In the Ottoman Empire, men believed that jade brought good luck in battle. The warriors wore jade rings, and the scabbards and hilts of sabers were decorated with a gem.
Today, jade is considered a particularly valuable ornamental mineral. The price category of the stone is equal to the price of rose quartz, lapis lazuli, jasper and aventurine.
Mining sites
Jade is mined either in quarries or in placers. Occasionally, the mineral can be found in gneisses, slate, or marble. The nugget is formed in places where magma has mixed with sedimentary rocks during its release to the surface.
On every continent of the globe, not counting the North Pole, there is at least one place of jade deposits. The main production sites are:
- Russia.
- New Zealand.
- China.
- Poland.
- USA.
New Zealand and Chinese jades are considered the best. The nugget is also found in some territories of North and South America, including Canada, Mexico, Myanmar.
physical properties
The basis of jade is silica. The mineral consists of calcium hydroxysilicate. The main impurities are iron and magnesium. However, some examples contain chromium or vanadium.
Each piece of stone differs in the degree of transparency. Most of the nuggets are cloudy, practically not transparent. The presence and amount of impurities change the main milky white color to other shades, more often blue or green.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Formula | Ca2(Mg,Fe)5[Si4O11]2(OH)2 |
| Hardness | 6-6,5 |
| Density | 2,95 - 3,4 g / cm³ |
| Refractive index | 1,62 |
| Syngonia | Monoclinic. |
| Kink | Cancer or paraffin-like. |
| Brilliance | Glassy or greasy. |
| Transparency | From translucent in chips and plates 1-1,5 cm wide to opaque. |
| Color | Shades of green, yellow, red, white and gray. |
Color spectrum
The classic Chinese jade, known to everyone, is a dull light green stone. However, nature has endowed the mineral with other unusual, rare shades:
- yellow;
- milky white;
- marshy;
- herbal;
- bright green.
White jade
It cannot be in the form of a stone of pure color, it has light yellow, greenish and gray shades.
Green
He is credited with the most powerful mystical properties. When contemplating it, a person can reveal his abilities, finding peace, a peaceful state.
Black jade
The basis for original jewelry. For women, it is suitable for special occasions.
In addition to differences in color, there are types of jade that differ in the type of color:
- uniform, which are bright and transparent, are highly valued;
- spotted; interspersed. This texture is possible due to the presence of carbonates, iron and other substances in the stone.
Sometimes patterns can be seen on the surface of jade, which jewelers use with success.
In fact, jade comes in all shades of green, from the lightest to the darkest green. Black minerals are very rare, and the most unique and isolated specimens of blue and red colors are considered. Gems of New Zealand origin are especially beautiful, as they have a rich emerald green hue.
The minimum cost is set for the lightest green specimens, as well as for white stones. Further, the price increases with the degree of color saturation. The cost is also influenced by the uniformity of the color. Any inclusions, spots or stripes change the price downward.
The healing properties of jade
It is not surprising that the main area of influence of the mineral, proven by lithotherapists, is the organs of the genitourinary system. Jade acts as a pain reliever for diseases of the bladder or kidney. The nugget also has a beneficial effect on the organs of the gastrointestinal tract.
This is interesting: Ancient healers recommended that pregnant women wear jade belts. It was believed that the gem helps to bear the child without complications, to reduce pain during contractions. In addition, such original jewelry was designed to strengthen male potency, as well as relieve women from severe pain during menstruation.
The Maori natives of New Zealand discovered the properties of calming and relaxing the human psyche in the bright green stones mined on their land. Modern healers recognize the sedative effect of the stone, as well as its ability to fight phobias, fears, nightmares.
Modern alternative medicine also uses jade heating pads to relieve abdominal pain. Such a heating pad is a bag filled with stones. The unusual property of nephrite to keep warm has a beneficial effect on the diseased area. In addition, the mineral itself is warm, and one of its unusual properties is that the temperature of the gem never drops below its own, regardless of environmental conditions.
With continued use, nephritis can improve hearing and visual acuity. The nugget also acts as a kind of barrier that prevents the occurrence of pathologies in the human body.
Magical powers
Jade has long been respected by different peoples, each of which revealed its magical abilities in the stone. Among the Chinese, white jade, also called the "stone of emperors", was considered a special gem. The inhabitants of the Celestial Empire believed that such a mineral endows the ruler of the country with sanity, composure and the ability to make the right decisions.
The Indians of the American continent believed that jade connects the shaman with the other world. Thus, by carving the figures of deities or demons from the stone, the priests found a direct path to communion with those idols whose images were carved from a nugget. In addition, the Maya and Aztec tribes equated the value of jade with gold, truly wondering why the Spaniards who came to their lands did not pay due attention to the gem.
Today, esotericists have studied many of the magical powers of jade. Some of them are classified according to the color specialization of the stone:
- The milky white nugget gives self-confidence, frees the mind from negativity, which helps to look at the world more optimistically. Such a talisman will help a person find the right direction in life, build a career, as it contributes to the development of logic and enhances the performance of the brain.
- Green jade acts as a powerful talisman against everything bad, from the negativity of the surrounding society to strong black witchcraft. With the help of such an amulet, a person learns the meaning of life, reveals talents in himself that he did not know about before. Green Chinese jade will help overcome all obstacles to achieve the desired goal.
- Rare black jade develops logic and gives the wearer wisdom. This helps a person think first and then act. Excellent protection against rash acts.
- Pink jade is a talisman of love. With him, the owner will find personal happiness, as well as save family ties from quarrels or betrayals.
- Blue (blue) stone is one of the rarest creations of nature. Few can wear such a talisman, because blue jade sends a person the most difficult life trials, thereby strengthening the fortitude of the spirit. In addition, this mineral rejuvenates the body.
- Red jade, no less rare and unique, makes a person softer, revealing all the positive qualities - compassion, sensitivity, kindness. At the same time, coarse character traits, along with anger and aggression, gradually fade away.
- A yellow nugget is a symbol of harmony with yourself and the world around you. This amulet helps those who are in difficulties in life and cannot find a way out. Jade of this shade will help you achieve career heights and improve your financial situation.
Any of the jade reveals the full human potential, helping to think outside the box and achieve success in all endeavors. The stone gives the owner the strength to go forward, not looking back at the mistakes and failures of the past.
In the magical world, jade is an attribute of clairvoyants and sorcerers. With its help, magicians enhance their abilities, communicate with other worlds. Also, a nugget is able to increase the power of other magical amulets, but only an experienced magician can control this power.
Compatible with other stones
Jade's belonging to the earth element makes it compatible with other minerals of the Earth, such as:
- Sarder (Carnelian).
- Onyx.
- Cacholong.
- Turquoise.
- Malachite.
- Morion.
- Chalcedony.
Jasper is an exception. With this mineral, Chinese jade has planetary disagreements.
The gem coexists peacefully with the stones of the water element:
- Opal.
- Emerald.
- Chrysolite.
- Aquamarine.
Fiery minerals suppress the energy of the Earth, so compatibility with them is undesirable. These include:
- Coral.
- Rubin.
- Heliolite.
- Almandine.
- Diamond.
- Pyrope.
Combination with translucent or transparent stones of Air is neutral. Jade will not react in any way to the proximity of rock crystal, topaz, rose quartz or golden beryl.
Jewelry with mineral
Jade products are versatile. Since this stone belongs to the category of ornamental minerals, its cost is low. The price of a gem directly depends on its quality, color, uniformity. For example, light green and milky nephritis are considered the cheapest. The price falls even lower if such a specimen is not uniform in color, that is, it has inclusions. Red stones are rated highest. Such samples are sent to collectors or for the manufacture of luxury jewelry. Black nuggets are also rare, so they are very much loved by jewelers.
An interesting feature is that the price of jewelry with jade in Russia or European countries can differ many times from jewelry purchased in China. This is because for the inhabitants of the Celestial Empire, jade is not just an ornamental mineral. This gem has a special cultural value and sacred meaning.
Fake diamond
As already mentioned, jade is made by pressing crumbs, shavings and dust left over from stone processing. Artificial plastic is added to this mass, so most likely there will be no magical and healing properties similar to natural stone from such a craft.
How to distinguish a fake
Even an inexpensive gem is replaced by unscrupulous sellers with even cheaper plastic. There are several ways to distinguish jade from fake:
- In the light, the mineral shines through.
- The fibrous structure of the stone is visible through a magnifying glass.
- If you knock the beads against each other, you will create a sonorous, melodic sound that gives out a natural stone. The imitation will not "ring".
In addition, the physical properties of jade will prevent the stone from deforming or scratching by any means or objects.
How to wear and care
Jade products are allowed to be worn by everyone, without age restrictions. Such decorations are appropriate at any time of the day; no special reason is needed to use them. The main rule is to harmoniously choose accessories in terms of size, design, color.
Green jade will certainly adorn the mistress of red hair, whose eyes are in harmony with the color of the mineral. A blue stone is perfect for blondes. Young girls are advised to wear light stones in a silver setting. Gold items will complement the image of women of middle and mature age.
Jade jewelry looks most harmonious with an oriental style of clothing. The outfit of oriental beauties is always appropriate for a summer walk or a party.
For an evening look, large gold items with massive inserts that shine with luxury are suitable. A casual office outfit will be complemented by discreet, neat earrings with a light stone.
So that the image does not look vulgar and overloaded with details, it is worth remembering the permissible combination of jewelry. You should not wear a full jade set at the same time. A combination of earrings with a bracelet or ring, a ring with a pendant or a solo brooch is enough. A massive necklace should also be unique in the image.
In terms of care, jade is perhaps the most unpretentious stone. It is enough to store the product in a soft cloth bag, periodically clean it with a damp soapy sponge and polish with a suede cloth to renew its shine.
Some esotericists claim that it is better to get jade on a rainy day. After the purchase, it is advised to take the stone under drops of rain water, then wipe it with a suede cloth and put it closer to the body of the new owner. It takes at least two days to wear a mineral in such proximity to find a connection.
Zodiac sign compatibility
Regardless of the name, jade can be worn by everyone, without exception, since there are no astrological contraindications for wearing a talisman. The gem suits all signs in one way or another.
("+++" - the stone fits perfectly, "+" - can be worn, "-" - absolutely contraindicated):
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Aries | + |
| Taurus | + |
| Gemini | + |
| Cancer | + + + |
| a lion | + |
| Virgo | + + + |
| Scales | + + + |
| Scorpio | + |
| Sagittarius | + |
| Capricorn | + |
| Aquarius | + |
| Pisces | + + + |
- Libra will strengthen health, come closer to longevity with a white stone. This sign is ideally compatible with the mineral, so Libra can wear any shade of jade.
- Virgos will become luckier, they will be able to create strong family ties with a mineral of black, red or green. The best option for a Virgo amulet would be a bracelet worn on the right hand.
- Gemini and Aquarius will protect themselves from negativity with white or blue jade.
- Taurus with Capricorns can wear both black and green gem. However, only a black stone will charge these signs with strong energy.
- Pisces and Cancers will find a friend in yellow and black stones. The black mineral in this case will give these signs a portion of vitality to overcome the difficulties of fate.
A rare red gem will become a family patron for Lions, Aries and Sagittarius. A yellow talisman is recommended for Scorpios.
A unique gem that was first revealed to people, jade helped humanity to develop and move forward. And although this stone is not as valuable in monetary terms as other minerals, its value in the life of mankind is truly priceless. Thanks to the people of the East for carrying through time the deep meaning of this gem for whole nations.
