Jade - Properties, benefits, uses, meanings, associations
What does Jade do? How can I tell Jades apart? What's the difference between Nephrite and Jadeite? All questions I have heard about these fabulous healing crystals!
The word Jade is used frequently to describe a number of different stones by in reality, it should refer to two main minerals - Nephrite and Jadeite. These are Monocylinical systems of either calcium magnesium silicate (Nephrite), or sodium aluminium silicate (Jadeite). Nephrite is generally deep green, white, or creamy brown, where as Jadeite can be black or green-black, leafy, emerald or bluey green, or even lavender. The highest quality is known as Imperial Jade and would be classed as a Jadeite.
The name Jade: was derived from the Spanish phrase " piedra de yjada", which means "stone of the loom".. However, it became known as "pierre le jade" following a mis-print in a French translation! The word Nephrite taken from the Greek "nephros", meaning Kidneys, as this was considered one of its main associations. Jadeite was a word chosen during the confusion between different stones from different countries!
Jade has been valued by Mayans, Aztecs, Chinese and Maoris cultures. Spanish conquistadors first brought Jade from Mesoamerica to Europe in the seventeenth century. It has been used in ancient times for making axes and weapons due to its hardness before being used for decoration, jewellery and as a talisman later on. Serpentine and Bowenite are often called New Jade, but they are not the same material as the Jades identified here!
Jade teaches us to be tranquil, and to find pleasure in experiencing the moment we are in. It encourages a mindful walk, helps us to be present and still, and in this stillness our own internal wisdom is given the space it needs to reveal itself. Jade loves being outside, connecting us to nature, and carrying that earthly energy with it when away for natural surroundings.. It also aids us in friendships and relationships, by transmitting peace and kindness to others, whilst easing poverty mindsets and overwhelm that could cause us to behave or speak in unbalanced ways in our relationships. A key talisman for financial prosperity, it helps us manage our spending, and reduce the "all or nothing" spending habits that may exist.
MOHS: Nephrite: 6, Jadeite: 6.5 - 7
Name:
- Jade: derived from the Spanish phrase " piedra de yjada", which means "stone of the loom". However, it became known as "pierre le jade" following a mis-print in a French translation!
- Nephrite: taken from Greek "nephros", meaning Kidneys
Substance: Monoclinical systems of either calcium magnesium silicate (Nephrite), or sodium aluminium silicate (Jadiete)
- Nephrite is generally deep green, white, or creamy brown
- Jadeite can be black or green-black, leafy, emerald or bluey green, or even lavender.
- Green jade: Finest-quality, almost transparent, vibrant emerald-green colour; most valuable; also called "imperial jade"
- White jade: Also called "moss-in-snow jade;" translucent white with bright green veining, patches, or spots
- Yellow jade: Also called "apple jade;" intense yellowish green
- Lavender jade: Highly valuable; also called "lilac jade;" pale purple to deep plum hues
- Other jade colours: Red, orange, brown, grey, black; less common
Location: Nephrite: China, New Zealand, Columbia, India, America, Russia, Poland, Taiwan. Jadeite: Burma, California, Japan, Russia, Guatemala
Element: Earth
Chakras: Heart, Sacral
Pseudo and nick-names: Stone of the loom, Jadeite- Imperial Jade
MOHS: 6 - 6.5
Interesting Facts:
- Valued by Mayans, Aztecs, Chinese and Maoris cultures
- Spanish conquistadors first brought Jade from Mesoamerica to Europe in the seventeenth century.
- Similar looking stone from China became known as Nephrite Jade, but Burmese stones were later found to be the same material as the original American imports and so these became known as Jadeite, Today, both types are traded as Jade.
- It has been used in earlier times for making axes and weapons due to its hardness before being used for decoration and jewellery later on.
- Serpentine and Bowenite are often called New Jade, but this is a trade name and they are not the same material as the Jades identified here!
Historical and Traditional Folk Uses - Physical/Environmental
- Strengthening
- Abundance
- Wellbeing
- Nourishing
- Sleep
- Prosperity
- Fertility
- Tonic
- Cleansing
- Binding cellular system
- Binding skeletal system
- Acid/Alkaline Balance
- Nervous system - Nephrite
- Kidneys - Nephrite
- Heart - Nephrite
- Detox - Jadeite
- post traumatic or surgical tissue healing - Jadeite
Historical and Traditional Folk Uses - Emotional/Psychological:
- Heartache
- Balance
- Harmony
- Abundance
- Transmitting peace and kindness to others
- Living in the moment
- Mindful life experience
- Preventing greed
- Avoiding lack mindset
- Balancing spending behaviours
- Purity
- Serenity
- Wisdom
- Nurturing
- Friendship
- Stabilising
- Self-sufficiency
- Ideas
- Procrastination
- Self-awareness
Historical and Traditional Folk Uses - Spiritual
- Strengthening spirit after death
- Strong and steady energy flow
- Enhancing dreams
- Chi growth
- Money mastery
- Grounding
- Transmission of earth energy to the aura
- Carries signature of nature
- Energy tonic
Why not check out our huge crystal departments that grow daily and explore the many properties of Nephrite and Jadeite healing crystals for yourself!
*This information refers to the stone type in general and not any specific product made from or with it. It is based on folk lore and historical, traditional use only and does not contain scientifically proven health claims. It is for entertainment purposes only and should not be interpreted as a suggestion that the products can treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness. They are not a substitute for professional, medical advice. Always see your doctor.*
(Sources: The Book of Stones - Robert Simmons & Naisha Ahsian, The Crystal Bible - Judy Hall, Crystals - Lauren D'Silva)
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