Jade is a fine and very hard stone, so it was used to make weapons such as axes in the Neolithic. The color of jade varies according to the type and concentration of salts of the metals that compose it. They range from green, its most typical and well-known color, to black, blue-green, white and pink. The crystal system of jade is of the monoclinic type, its hardness is of the order of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale.
Nephrite jade and jade jadeite, which before the 19th century were considered the same stone, are today two stones with distinct characteristics and value. Of the two varieties, jadeite is the hardest, the rarest and therefore the most precious. The refinement and healing and even magical properties that the Chinese attributed to this gem made it a stone of choice for making jewelry, ornaments and art objects.
The main deposits of nephrite jade are mainly found in China, Russia, New Zealand and Canada. Jadeite, on the other hand, is found mainly in the ancient lands of the Maya or Olmec civilizations in Guatemala, but also in Burma and Kazakhstan.
Nephrite jade and jade jadeite, which before the 19th century were considered the same stone, are today two stones with distinct characteristics and value. Of the two varieties, jadeite is the hardest, the rarest and therefore the most precious. The refinement and healing and even magical properties that the Chinese attributed to this gem made it a stone of choice for making jewelry, ornaments and art objects.
The main deposits of nephrite jade are mainly found in China, Russia, New Zealand and Canada. Jadeite, on the other hand, is found mainly in the ancient lands of the Maya or Olmec civilizations in Guatemala, but also in Burma and Kazakhstan.
History of jade
Jade has an extraordinary history that has accompanied one of the finest human civilizations. The epic of jade begins in the Neolithic in China, and around 2600 BC for the Maya in Central America.
The importance of this stone became so great that it was omnipresent at all levels of life in the Chinese Empire. It will be one of the symbols of power for the living and a stone of eternity that adorns the bodies of the dead.
This will greatly influence the perception we will have of jade because it will evoke in the collective imagination a glorious past steeped in the mysteries of the legendary imperial China.
Jade arrived in Europe around the 15th century, with the Portuguese colonization of some regions of the Celestial Empire and the return of the conquistadors from America with the jade treasures plundered by the Amerindians. The Spaniards gave it the name of piedra de ijada which literally means "stone for the pit". This name would be attributed to the healing powers that the Amerindians attributed to calculus to cure kidney problems.
The importance of this stone became so great that it was omnipresent at all levels of life in the Chinese Empire. It will be one of the symbols of power for the living and a stone of eternity that adorns the bodies of the dead.
This will greatly influence the perception we will have of jade because it will evoke in the collective imagination a glorious past steeped in the mysteries of the legendary imperial China.
Jade arrived in Europe around the 15th century, with the Portuguese colonization of some regions of the Celestial Empire and the return of the conquistadors from America with the jade treasures plundered by the Amerindians. The Spaniards gave it the name of piedra de ijada which literally means "stone for the pit". This name would be attributed to the healing powers that the Amerindians attributed to calculus to cure kidney problems.
Virtue of jade
Chinese tradition sees jade as a miraculous stone that brings great virtues on the physical, moral and spiritual level. As a protective stone, jade also gives its strength to the wearer. The contact of a jade jewel with the body gives the body the spirit of the stone which strengthens the physical constitution and accelerates healing in case of illness.
Jade is particularly suitable for the regulation of vital organs (heart, kidneys, lungs). Its beneficial action helps to remedy urinary problems and kidney stones, to strengthen the immune system and to limit the virulence of flu states. Also to combat infections of all kinds, as well as to calm the pain of sciatica and migraine. Jade helps to relax the body and calm the nerves, thus promoting meditation.
A stone of justice, temperance, justice and mental discipline, jade is associated with immortality in the Taoist tradition. It is also the stone of predilection for the mental and the emotional.
Jade is indispensable for moral culture and the discipline of the mind. A symbol of wisdom and inner serenity, this stone helps build shields against negative energies - calming the mind and clearing the spirit of harmful thoughts.
Jade affects the heart chakra, supporting the faculties of love and empathic impulses. Moderate judgments and decision making in daily life.
Wearing a jade stone promotes luck and good luck, making it a useful ally for those seeking success.
The astrological signs most favorable to jade are Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Libra, Capricorn and Pisces.
As for the chakras, the stone would mainly act on the sacred chakra, the third eye chakra and the solar plexus chakra.
Jade rarely needs to be purified. To recharge the stone, simply use a pile of quartz and expose the jade to sunlight or moonlight.
Jade is particularly suitable for the regulation of vital organs (heart, kidneys, lungs). Its beneficial action helps to remedy urinary problems and kidney stones, to strengthen the immune system and to limit the virulence of flu states. Also to combat infections of all kinds, as well as to calm the pain of sciatica and migraine. Jade helps to relax the body and calm the nerves, thus promoting meditation.
A stone of justice, temperance, justice and mental discipline, jade is associated with immortality in the Taoist tradition. It is also the stone of predilection for the mental and the emotional.
Jade is indispensable for moral culture and the discipline of the mind. A symbol of wisdom and inner serenity, this stone helps build shields against negative energies - calming the mind and clearing the spirit of harmful thoughts.
Jade affects the heart chakra, supporting the faculties of love and empathic impulses. Moderate judgments and decision making in daily life.
Wearing a jade stone promotes luck and good luck, making it a useful ally for those seeking success.
The astrological signs most favorable to jade are Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Libra, Capricorn and Pisces.
As for the chakras, the stone would mainly act on the sacred chakra, the third eye chakra and the solar plexus chakra.
Jade rarely needs to be purified. To recharge the stone, simply use a pile of quartz and expose the jade to sunlight or moonlight.
