Jade

What Is Jade?

The word Jade is used to describe two similar but distinct stones: jadeite and nephrite. Both are known as zhen yu in China and they have similar physical properties, however their chemical compositions differ. Most ancient Chinese jade was nephrite however some people today consider only jadeite to be "true" jade. Both stones are still used interchangeably in much jewelry you buy today such as pendants, necklaces and bangles. For most people the exact nature of the mineral they're buying is less important than its appearance.

Most people probably think of jade as being a green stone and it is indeed found in a variety of green shades. The Nephrite variety can also be milky white or yellow. The rarer Jadeite has a wider range of colour including white, pink, red and violet. High quality translucent green Burmese jadeite is sometimes known as imperial jade.

Although jade is usually asociated with China, Burma and other Asian countries it is also found in other places including Canada, Central and South America.

Jade is hard but also brittle and like all gems needs to be treated with appropriate care.

Symbolism and Lore

Jade does not appear on the "official" modern list of birthstones however in older traditions it was often associated with March.

In Chinese culture jade was a stone of nobility and hence represented power, wisdom and courage. The Jade Emperor is said to rule over the heavens whilst the Jade Rabbit ives in the moon. One Chinese legend described jade as crystalised moonlight.

Properties

Jade has often been considered a healing stone. The Western name comes from the Spanish piedra de ijada which means "loin stone" and legend says that jade can be useful in the treatment of kidney conditions.

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