Gem Profile- Jade
Jade
When most people talk about Jade, they are thinking of a lovely green stone that can be carved into a wide variety of ornaments, including jewelry. Jade is actually the geological label used for two different minerals that man has recognized for centuries.
When most people talk about Jade, they are thinking of a lovely green stone that can be carved into a wide variety of ornaments, including jewelry. Jade is actually the geological label used for two different minerals that man has recognized for centuries.
The more precious material, Jadeite, is usually identified as green, can also occur with or as other colors such as black, pink, red and violet, while the more abundant gem-rock Nephrite is found mainly in color hues of green, white, and gray.
Both of these lovely metamorphic stones have an oily feel, are aluminum silicates, have a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, streak white, and can occur in similar colors, so they are rather difficult to tell apart.
It wasn't until 1863 that these two materials were scientifically determined to be two different minerals!
The difference between nephrite and jadeite. Right: Nephrite. Left: Jadeite. Private collection, Skye Thompson.
Both of these lovely metamorphic stones have an oily feel, are aluminum silicates, have a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, streak white, and can occur in similar colors, so they are rather difficult to tell apart.
It wasn't until 1863 that these two materials were scientifically determined to be two different minerals!
The difference between nephrite and jadeite. Right: Nephrite. Left: Jadeite. Private collection, Skye Thompson.
Jadeite
Rare green jadeite owes its color to chromium, while darker versions of both jadeite and nephrite get their color from the additional presence of iron.
The translucent, emerald green form of Jadeite is recognized as "the" gemstone version of all stones labeled jade. The most perfect specimens from Burma are aptly named "Imperial Jade."
Jadeite colors also include apple-green, gray, white, cream-yellow, and lavender.
Jadeite material is found in several countries, such as Guatemala, Russia, Kazakhstan, Japan, and North America. However, the best gem-quality material is absolutely mined in Burma.
Carved Burmese Jadeite pendant, Ganesha, god to the artist. Private Collection, Dale Armstrong.
Rare green jadeite owes its color to chromium, while darker versions of both jadeite and nephrite get their color from the additional presence of iron.
The translucent, emerald green form of Jadeite is recognized as "the" gemstone version of all stones labeled jade. The most perfect specimens from Burma are aptly named "Imperial Jade."
Jadeite colors also include apple-green, gray, white, cream-yellow, and lavender.
Jadeite material is found in several countries, such as Guatemala, Russia, Kazakhstan, Japan, and North America. However, the best gem-quality material is absolutely mined in Burma.
Carved Burmese Jadeite pendant, Ganesha, god to the artist. Private Collection, Dale Armstrong.
Nephrite
Nephrite is a form of the common mineral actinolite, which is a type of asbestos. It is considered to be the jade used in ancient China.
The nephrite version of jade is found in various locations worldwide. These include China, Taiwan, New Zealand, Canada, India, Australia, the USA, Russia, and Germany.
The most famous North American mines are likely in British Columbia, Canada. These mines produce nephrite as well as a nephrite imposter called serpentine, which is actually a type of marble.
The nephrite jade mined in British Columbia is massive, with boulders often weighing 100 tons or more.
It is used to make home interior tiles, carved into huge statues, made into jewelry, and even used for countertops. When it occurs in a rich dark green, it is called Spinach Jade.
This small slab of Canadian nephrite is 4 feet long and 1-1/2 inches thick. Private collection, Dale Armstrong.
Nephrite is a form of the common mineral actinolite, which is a type of asbestos. It is considered to be the jade used in ancient China.
The nephrite version of jade is found in various locations worldwide. These include China, Taiwan, New Zealand, Canada, India, Australia, the USA, Russia, and Germany.
The most famous North American mines are likely in British Columbia, Canada. These mines produce nephrite as well as a nephrite imposter called serpentine, which is actually a type of marble.
The nephrite jade mined in British Columbia is massive, with boulders often weighing 100 tons or more.
It is used to make home interior tiles, carved into huge statues, made into jewelry, and even used for countertops. When it occurs in a rich dark green, it is called Spinach Jade.
This small slab of Canadian nephrite is 4 feet long and 1-1/2 inches thick. Private collection, Dale Armstrong.
Jade and Culture
The name "jade" comes from Spanish explorers under Cortez.
They received small, kidney-shaped stones from the indigenous people in the Americas.
Early civilizations believed that items shaped like parts of the human body held special meaning for that part.
Therefore, they named this material the "stone of the flank or loins," or "kidney stone."
These small jade specimens were believed to help with disorders of the kidneys.
Both forms of jade have been an important part of history and culture for centuries.
Prehistoric humans used this firm but easily-carved material to fashion many types of hand tools and weapons.
Asian peoples have greatly revered jade throughout history.
Wars have been fought over it, and entire cities have even been traded for it!
Visiting the Orchid Jade Factory in Chiang Mai, Thailand we were privileged to watch the carvers work on jadeite.
The name "jade" comes from Spanish explorers under Cortez.
They received small, kidney-shaped stones from the indigenous people in the Americas.
Early civilizations believed that items shaped like parts of the human body held special meaning for that part.
Therefore, they named this material the "stone of the flank or loins," or "kidney stone."
These small jade specimens were believed to help with disorders of the kidneys.
Both forms of jade have been an important part of history and culture for centuries.
Prehistoric humans used this firm but easily-carved material to fashion many types of hand tools and weapons.
Asian peoples have greatly revered jade throughout history.
Wars have been fought over it, and entire cities have even been traded for it!
Visiting the Orchid Jade Factory in Chiang Mai, Thailand we were privileged to watch the carvers work on jadeite.
Very skilled craftsmen work magic with the gorgeous product in their country! Orchid Jade Factory, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Some scholars have suggested that Chinese civilization was built around jade.
Prized for over 6,000 years, jade was known in China as the Stone of Heaven.
It adorned both the population and the historic buildings of the country.
Whereas Westerners prefer the green varieties, the Chinese consider the white version more precious than gold.
The Chinese even crafted cups and plates from jade. This allowed people to absorb the fortune and prosperity for which the stone was valued.
To the Maori of New Zealand, jade was and still is an important cultural symbol.
The stone is carved into amulet pendants called hei-tiki. These are worn for spiritual guidance and protection, and are passed down through family generations.
Jade was also highly prized by the Olmec and Mayan civilizations in the Americas.
In many modern cultures, Jade is given as a token of friendship or as an engagement gift. To some, Jade symbolizes the 12th wedding anniversary.
Prized for over 6,000 years, jade was known in China as the Stone of Heaven.
It adorned both the population and the historic buildings of the country.
Whereas Westerners prefer the green varieties, the Chinese consider the white version more precious than gold.
The Chinese even crafted cups and plates from jade. This allowed people to absorb the fortune and prosperity for which the stone was valued.
To the Maori of New Zealand, jade was and still is an important cultural symbol.
The stone is carved into amulet pendants called hei-tiki. These are worn for spiritual guidance and protection, and are passed down through family generations.
Jade was also highly prized by the Olmec and Mayan civilizations in the Americas.
In many modern cultures, Jade is given as a token of friendship or as an engagement gift. To some, Jade symbolizes the 12th wedding anniversary.
Jade: The Real and the Imposters
Like most important gemstones, there are always a few imposters that one must watch out for when shopping for jade. In China, for example, the word jade has traditionally been applied not only to nephrite jade, but to green serpentine and soapstone (talc) whose appearance closely resemble true jade. Common misnomers and the materials they represent are:
Like most important gemstones, there are always a few imposters that one must watch out for when shopping for jade. In China, for example, the word jade has traditionally been applied not only to nephrite jade, but to green serpentine and soapstone (talc) whose appearance closely resemble true jade. Common misnomers and the materials they represent are:
Common Name Actual Stone
Korean Jade Serpentine or gem serpentine (bowenite)
Indian Jade Aventurine
Mexican Jade Green-dyed calcite
Transvaal Jade Green hydrogrossular garnet
Amazon or Colorado Jade Amazonite (blue-green or green) feldspar
Oregon or Swiss Jade Green chalcedony
Variety of jadeite carvings and cabochons. Private collection, Dale Armstrong.
Metaphysical Properties of Jade
Both jadeite and nephrite are considered stones that resonate with the heart chakra, assisting in bringing calm and clarity of thought to an otherwise stressed, anxious, or restless spirit.
Jadeite especially is a positive stone, assisting in bringing friendships and riches to a person.
Relating to the kidney history as discussed above, nephrite (related to nephros, Latin for kidney) is thought to be beneficial for kidney issues.
Both jadeite and nephrite are considered stones that resonate with the heart chakra, assisting in bringing calm and clarity of thought to an otherwise stressed, anxious, or restless spirit.
Jadeite especially is a positive stone, assisting in bringing friendships and riches to a person.
Relating to the kidney history as discussed above, nephrite (related to nephros, Latin for kidney) is thought to be beneficial for kidney issues.
Resources
Book Resources:
Peterson Field Guide - Rocks and Minerals by Frederick H. Pough, ISBN-0-395-91096-X
Simon & Schuster's Guide to Gems and Precious Stones, ISBN 0-671-60430-9
Love Is in The Earth, by Melody, ISBN 0-9628190-3-4
Internet Resources:
www.wikipedia.org
Book Resources:
Peterson Field Guide - Rocks and Minerals by Frederick H. Pough, ISBN-0-395-91096-X
Simon & Schuster's Guide to Gems and Precious Stones, ISBN 0-671-60430-9
Love Is in The Earth, by Melody, ISBN 0-9628190-3-4
Internet Resources:
www.wikipedia.org
Materials
Wire
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Jade 10mm Round Beads - 8 Inch Strand
A1-645
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New Burma Jade 10x20mm Double Drilled Beads - 8 Inch Strand
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New Burma Jade 6mm Round Beads - 8 Inch Strand
A1-768
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Yellow Jade 12mm Coin 8 Inch Strand
A1-865
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Yellow Jade 6mm Round 8 Inch Strand
A1-870
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Tools
WireJewelry - Ultimate Wire-Pliers Jewelry Pliers with Case, Set of 5
G15-20
- G15-20
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Dale Armstrong
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