Jadeite (JADE)
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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. |
