AGATE | AMETHYST | BLOODSTONE | CARNELIAN | CITRINE | FLUORITE | GARNET | HEMATITE | IOLITE | JADE | JASPER | LAPIS LAZULI | MALACHITE | MOONSTONE | MOSS_AGATE | PEARL | PERIDOT | QUARTZ | SODALITE | TIGER_EYE | TOURMALINE | TURQUOISE |
HEALING PROPERTIES:
In ancient Egypt and even now in Japan & China, Jade is considered the most
precious of all stones. It is credited with five qualities: clarity, courage,
justice, wisdom and modesty. It is one stone that oozes tranquility. So much so,
even holding a Jade in your hand may cause you to experience a feeling of
serenity or wisdom. Consequently, it also helps in smooth transition to another
world and aids in peaceful death. It assists in taking control of dreams, and
making sense of them. Use Jade to reduce tension in your life. Protects one from
enemies and during long journeys. Physically, cures kidney problems, bladder
troubles, poor digestion and eye problems. Alleviates sore back or spine.
PHYSICAL CHEMICAL PROPERTIES:
Jade is a compact, opaque gemstone ranging in color from dark green to almost
white. The term is applied to specimens cut from the minerals jadeite and
nephrite.
Jadeite, the less common and more highly prized of the two minerals, is a
silicate of sodium and aluminum, NaAl(SiO3)2, usually
containing some iron, calcium, and magnesium. It belongs to the group of
minerals called pyroxenes. Jadeite crystallizes in the monoclinic system but
rarely occurs in distinct crystals and is usually found
in fibrous, compact, massive aggregates. The luster on fresh fracture is dull
and wax-like, but polished jadeite has a vitreous luster.
Nephrite, a member of the amphibole group of minerals, is a silicate of calcium
and magnesium, with a small amount of iron replacing part of the magnesium.
It is a tough, compact variety of the mineral tremolite. Polished nephrite has
an oily luster.
Jade |
|||
Chemical Formula |
NaAl(SiO3)2 |
Hardness |
6.5 - 7 |
Specific Gravity |
3.3 - 3.5 |
Refractive Index | 1.66 - 1.68 |
ORIGIN HISTORY:
Jade was used in ancient times for weapons, utensils, and ornaments. A variety
of jade called axstone is used by the natives of the South Sea islands for
making hatchets. Jade has always been prized by the Chinese and Japanese as the
most precious of all stones, and the most beautiful specimens of carved jade in
the form of ornamental pieces, such as vases, bowls, tablets, and statues, many
of which are now museum pieces, were made
in China.
GEOGRAPHICAL DEPOSITS:
Jadeite is found chiefly in eastern Asia in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma),
as well as in sections of Tibet and southern China. This Jade is exported
to China, where it is carved into gems and figures. his Jade is known as
"Chinese Jade". Chinese Jade has a higher market value than Jade from other
locations.
"Mexican Jade" is Jade from the large deposits in Guatemala and Mexico. This
Jade was also mined since the earliest of times, but does not have such a rich
history as the Chinese Jade.
"Russian Jade" is a leek-green variety found near Lake Baikal in Russia.
Elsewhere it can be found in Alaska, Mexico, New Zealand, Siberia, Turkistan and
a huge haul has been found at Clear Creek, San Benito Co., California.