what is Jade ?

CONFUCIUS : The philosopher wrote that jade is like virtue and its brightness represents heaven.

It is interesting to know that jade is two separate gems: nephrite and jade. In China, the perforated jade disc is a symbol of paradise. The cultural roots of jade go back to caves that have dimmed smoke and sheltered prehistoric humans. Throughout history, these hardest gemstones have become weapons, tools, ornaments, and ritual objects. Their carvings represent the powers of heaven and earth and the mystical forces of life and death.

As mentioned, jade has two parts. Nephrite is one of them, and the other is Jadeite. Jade is actually a metamorphic rock composed of fine interconnected mineral crystals. These interconnected crystals make both gemstones extremely hard. Jade is available in a wide range of attractive colors: many shades of green, white, gray, black, plus yellow and reddish orange, brown. These colors are often striped or mottled, giving Jadeite gemstones an interesting visual texture that engravers use to create imaginative and attractive effects.

Nephrite is accepted as jade in the international jewelry industry. It is available in clear to matte colors and can be light green to dark yellow, yellow, black, brown, gray or white. Its colors are more muted than jadeite’s and are often spotty or striped.

Today, gemologists use the word "jade" as a general term for nephrite and jadeite. These gems have been closely related throughout history. In fact, since ancient times, the term jade has also been applied to a number of gemstone-like gemstones and ornaments, and even some man-made equivalents such as jadeite and nephrite.

Jade is an ornamental stone that is best known for its green color, although it is also naturally found in other colors, especially yellow and white. Jade can refer to any of the two different minerals of silicate: nephrite (calcium and magnesium silicate in the amphibole group of minerals) or jadeite (sodium and aluminum silicate in the pyroxene group).

Jade is prominent in the arts of East Asia, South Asia and Southeast Asia and has an important place in many other cultures around the world.

·        Hardness: 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale (jadeite)6 - 6.5 on the Mohs scale (nephrite)

·        Crystal Structure: Monoclinic

·        Double Refraction or Birefringence: 0.020 (jadeite) -0.027, often none (nephrite)

·        Lustre: Vitreous, waxy, greasy

·        Colour: Green, white, orange, yellow, lavender, grey and black

·        Density: 3.30 - 3.38 (jadeite) 2.90 - 3.03 (nephrite)

·        Transparency: Opaque, translucent

·        Fluorescence: Greenish: Very weak; whitish: Glimmer; nephrite: None

History

China:

In ancient times, the most important known sources of nephrite jade, known as utilitarian and ceremonial items, were in China in the Ningxiao region of the Yangtze River Delta, and in an area of Liaoning Province and Inner Mongolia. . Dushan Jade was mined in the early 6000s BC since Dushan Jade ornaments were discovered in the tombs of Shang kings in the Yin Ruins of the Shang kings.

In China, jade was considered the "imperial gem" and was used to create many utilitarian objects and to decorate ceremonial objects, from indoor decorative items to jade shrouds. In China's history, jade deposits were the most widely used, and jade deposits were in Khotan, Xinjiang Province in western China, and other parts of China, such as Lantian and Shaanxi. There, white and greenish nephrite jade is found in small mines in the form of pebbles and boulders in rivers. The jade river is concentrated in the Yarkand, White Jade (Yurungkash) and Black Jade (Karakash) rivers, which flow east from the Kuen-Lun mountain range into the Takla-Makan desert region. From the Kingdom of Khotan, south of the Silk Road, the annual tribute consisted of the most precious white jade paid to the imperial court of China, where it was turned into artifacts by skilled craftsmen because jade was more valuable than gold or silver. At that time it was believed that breathing through jade would eliminate the destructive effects of cigarette smoke, so such a tube for crafting Chinese scholars' objects, such as rests for calligraphy brushes, as well as the mouthpieces of used some opium pipes.

After about 1800, Jadeite arrived in China from Burma in bright green-emerald, pink, orange and brown. Its green variety became known as Feicui jade (翡翠). Jadeite quickly became the popularity of nephrite and a favorite of newcomers to the Qing Dynasty, while many people still had a strong attachment to nephrite (white jade), which they considered a symbol of a nobleman.

In the history of Chinese imperial art, jade has been as important as gold and diamonds in the West. Jade was used for the finest objects and cult figures and cult figures, for grave furnishings for high-ranking members of the imperial family. Given this importance and the rise of the middle class in China, the best jade found in the nuggets of "mutton fat" jade in 2010 could sell for $ 3,000 an ounce, a tenfold increase over the past decade.

Korea :

The use of jade and other green stones has long been a tradition in Korea. Few jade were found in pit houses and burials. Production of jade handicrafts in South Korea dates back to the Middle Mumun Pottery Period. Coma-shaped jade is found in some of the royal gold crowns of Silla and luxurious coffins in the three kingdoms of Korea. After the state of Silla united the Korean Peninsula in 668, the widespread popularity of Buddhism led to a reduction in the use of jade in graves as a valuable commodity for the dead.

Japan :

Jade was used to make jade bracelets in Japan. Leaders also used jade for ceremonies because it was a symbol of wealth and power. Jade is also a national stone for Japan.

India :

In the Jain Temple of Kolanpak in the Nalgonda area of Telangana, India is a 5-foot (1.5 m) tall statue of Mahavira made entirely of jade. India is also known for its use of large quantities of green serpentine or false jade, mainly obtained from Afghanistan to make jewelry and ornaments such as swords and daggers.

The Jung Museum in Hyderabad has a wide range of jade daggers, mostly belonging to the former kings of Hyderabad.

Canada :

In Canada, jade was first identified by Chinese immigrants in 1886 in British Columbia. At that time, jade was not known for its true value because they were more in search of gold. Loex James Ltd. Mining Trade , Started by two Californians to commercially extract Canadian jade in 1972.

Extraction was done from large boulders that contain abundant jade sediments. Jade was exposed using diamond drills with a diamond tip to extract the sample. This is done to ensure that the jade meets the conditions. Hydraulic spreaders are then inserted into the slot to break the jade. When the boulders are removed, the jade is accessible, using diamond saws to break it into 10 tons of more controllable pieces. Finally, jade is loaded on trucks and transported to appropriate storage centers.

Russia :

For a long time Russia imported jade from China, but in the 1860s Russian jade reserves were found in Siberia. Today, the main jade deposits are located in eastern Siberia, but jade is also mined from the Urals and in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. So far, Russia's raw jade reserves are estimated at 336 tons. In Russia, jade is used to make jewelry such as Faberge, which in its workshops combines green stone with gold, diamonds, emeralds and rubies.

The myth of jade :

Jade - a gemstone of unique symbolic energy, and unique in the surrounding legends. Jade, with its vast beauty and expressiveness, has had a special attraction for humans for thousands of years.

Jade, with its luster, which has many subtle hints of green, but also in shades of white, black, yellow, gray and orange and in subtle shades of purple, has been known to man for about 7000 years. However, in prehistoric times it was given more attention due to its resistance and it was used to produce weapons and tools. However, in the early 3000s BC, jade was known in China as "Yu", the "royal gem". In the long history of art and culture of the great Chinese empire, jade has always been as important as gold and diamonds in the West.

Jade was also used for the best objects and coffins of high-ranking members of the imperial family. Today, this gem is considered as a good, beautiful and precious symbol. Jade is the manifestation of Confucian virtues, namely: wisdom, justice, compassion, humility and courage, and also represents female-erotic. In ancient Egypt, jade as the stone of love , Inner peace, harmony and balance were praised.

In other regions and cultures, jade was known as a protective or lucky stone. Nowhere, however, was it as important as Asia, probably because people knew little about this fascinating gem. Fortunately, in recent times, people's perception of this gem has changed and they have been completely affected by its hardness and attractive color spectrum and good luster; And their prestige for it is increasing in the world.

varieties :

Nephrite can be found in creamy white (known in China as "sheep fat" jade) as well as in a variety of light green colors, while jadeite shows more color variation, including blue, black, and green. Dark, brown, red and white. Of the two, jadeite is the rarest, recorded in less than 12 locations worldwide. emerald-green jadeite is historically the most valuable species today. As Quitzal jade, the bright green jade from Guatemala was valued by Mesoamerican cultures, and as herring jade, live green stones from Burma became the ruling stone of the Chinese Empire after the 1800s. Burma (Myanmar) and Guatemala are the main sources of jadeite. Canada provides a large share of nephrite.

Jade uses :

Jade is often polished into cabochons and beads and is used in bracelets, necklaces, rings and earrings. Ornamental figures, especially animals and Buddha, are carved on jade. Jade is also available as engraved pendants and ornaments. Rings and bracelets are also sometimes made of jade.

Jade is a colorful and durable material that can be shaped. These properties have made it a very popular gemstone. Jade has been used to make a variety of jewelry items, including pendants, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, beads, cast stones and more.

These jewelry items are often made of solid jade, or combined with other precious stones, or placed in a structure of gold, silver or other precious metals. In addition to jewelry, ornaments, and religious arts, jade is used to make small sculptures and small functional objects.

Which jade color is more valuable ?

Rich green-emerald jade, also known as "imperial jade", is also of the highest value."The price of the finest jade has increased tenfold over the past decade to $ 3,000 an ounce, which is far more valuable than gold.

The spiritual meaning of jade :

A clear meaning of jade stone is purity. Because jade is considered a stone that protects and supports the energy of the heart, jade is also a symbol of tenderness and nourishment.

Industry

Myanmar : Jade deposits in the northern regions of Myanmar are the source of the highest quality jade in the world, which is mentioned by sources in China until the tenth century. It is thriving. Jade is of great importance in Chinese culture. As their influence in Myanmar has increased, so has the jade industry and the export of precious minerals.

Myanmar accounts for 70% of the world's supply of high quality jade. Most Myanmar jade is exported to other countries, primarily Asia and East Asia, for use in jewelry, arts and jewelry. Most of the production is done by Myanmar Gem Enterprise (MGE), a state-owned company with 172 years of liquid assets.

Factors affecting the quality of jade :

For both jadeite and nephrite, green is the most valuable color. Its sharpness and translucency increase its value dramatically

·        COLOR

Most of the value of jade is in its color. It is seen in green, yellow, gray, white, orange and black. Jade is emerald green and is semi-transparent and is known as imperial jade and is extracted only from Burma (Myanmar). Jade can have more than one color in a gem. Jade in which the color is evenly distributed has a higher value. However, color preferences vary depending on the region. In the Far East, for example, pink or yellow jade in pink with imperial green jade is valuable, but in the West, deep and vivid green jade is preferred.

·        transparence

The shine of jade depends on the exact type of gem. When polished, nephrite tends to have a glass-like polish in which jadeite has a greasy luster when polished.

Jadeite transparency is from completely opaque to semi-transparent. The best jade is translucent.

·        TEXTURE

Jadeite has a lovely, smooth and even texture that makes people want to touch and hold this gem.

·       CUT

Rough jade is often purchased with no indication of the quality of the material inside. The quality of the jade inside is not known until the rough stone is cut. While jade is seldom as prominent as other gemstones, simple as well as intricate jade carvings are valued by their art. Jade is very diverse and can be turned into complex shapes. It can be engraved with various types of traditional Chinese shapes such as Buddha, dog, dragon, bat, butterfly, peach and disc. Complete bracelets are also made of jade. Most jade is cut in Taiwan, China and Hong Kong. Jade can also be used to make a variety of utensils such as buttons, cups, plates, salt and pepper shakers. Jade is used to make ornaments and is also made into beads, hoops, brooches and fancy pendants.

·       CARAT WEIGHT

Generally jadeite is sold piece by weight. For high quality imperial jadeite, minor differences in size can make a big difference in price.

Three special characteristics in jade :

1 .INTERACTION WITH LIGHT

Jadeite structure scatters light. If cut correctly, a white piece with a small green spot will cause the jewel to glow from behind.

2 .TOUGH, BUT NOT HARD

Hardness is not uncommon for gemstones, but both types of jade are very hard, and stone knives and stone axes were often made of nephrite.

3 .MUSICAL JADE

During the beat, the nephrite rings musically. The Imperial Court in China has jade bells designed to ring special notes.

How to identify jade ?

Jade can be distinguished from other similar materials by measuring its hardness and density. Many other materials are sold fraudulently as jade, and it is difficult to distinguish jade from its appearance. The most reliable way to identify jade is to test its specific gravity. A simple test to distinguish jadeite from nephrite is the rust production test. Nephrite emits a musical tone when confronted with it, while Jadit does not.

For jewelry lovers, jade is an attractive gemstone. Jade in East Asia, most of all, is collected as an antique. Many people in the West prefer to collect jade in the form of smoke boxes, cigarette holders, small bowls or rings. Because each collector has his own taste and is his favorite in terms of color, style and shape.In general, identifying jade objects is not an easy task.

At the same time, jade is an amazing gem, which looks attractive not only in traditional appearance, but also in more modern designs. Especially today, the creators of jewelry and creative gemstones have presented a design of extremely beautiful and up-to-date jewelry, thus showing the image of jade, which has long had a traditional character, in a modern way.

In general, the value of jade is determined by the color and the intensity of that color, the vivacity and texture, and its clarity and transparency. The color of interest varies from region to region and culture to culture, but in green jade, experts between seven main qualities, from intensity, even green of imperial jade, via apple green and spinach green, all the way to the lighter and to more heavily speckled shades of green are more different.

There are certain subtle differences that often overlap and are difficult to detect by the untrained eye. In the United States and Europe, emerald greens, spinach greens and apple greens are very valuable. In the Far East, on the other hand, pure white or fine yellow with a delicate pink undertone is very valuable and expensive. In the world of jewelry, the subtle differences of purple lavender jade are very popular. Nevertheless, imperial jade is an emerald green that shines from the edges, a color with incredible depth, which has the highest price.

Unfortunately, often counterfeit or substandard goods or stones that have been painted or treated are available, it is recommended that you buy good jade only from reputable sellers and jewelers, whether you are buying this product for a collection or as a piece of jewelry.

Sources and origins of jade

Nephrite deposits have been found in New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, China, Canada, Zimbabwe, Russia, Taiwan, Alaska and Poland. The main source of jadeite is Myanmar (Burma), which is also the only source of imperial jadeite but is also found in Japan, Canada, Guatemala, Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkey, Cuba and the United States.

Jade Treatment

Jade is usually bleached with acid to remove brown pigments. Bleaching causes the jade to become porous and brittle, so after bleaching, the jade is often immersed in a polymer, which fills the fractures and improves its appearance. Using a filter called "Chelsea filter" to find out if the jade is artificially dyed or not. When viewed through such a filter, red jade is seen. The Chinese jade industry uses a grading system to classify jadeite based on how advanced it is. According to the system, the grade is not painted or stained, but may have received a coating that is considered stable. Grade B jadeite may be white but not colored. Grade C jadeite is stained and stained and Grade D jadeite is not real Jade. All reputable suppliers declare jade from any treatment method.

benefits of Stone Therapy :

Hot stone massage is a relaxing massage method and has many healing properties. Jade is a protective stone that is used to heal stressed organs and release toxins. This slows down the aging process and strengthens the body's natural immune system.

Cold stones strengthen blood circulation and act as a strong anticonvulsant for the body. By boosting blood circulation, a cold stone treatment can reduce inflamed tissues, reduce muscle spasms and reduce swelling. Switching between hot and cold programs causes the blood vessels to dilate and contract intermittently. As a result, it leads to increased fluid movement in the body, increased excretion of toxins and recovery. These stones are cut into different shapes and sizes and then polished to create a smooth, silky feel on the skin. Using massage stones is a great way to increase blood circulation in and around the massage area. Increased blood flow helps clear toxins and helps heal a damaged or stretched area.

The Power of Jade

Jade is believed to slow down the aging process of the cell and strengthen the body's natural defenses. Jade has vital elements for the human body such as magnesium and water, minerals, calcium. Jade has been used for centuries to maintain the ultimate in health and beauty. The history of the precious jade stone dates back to 7000 years ago in East Asia, where it is considered a royal gem. According to the ancient medical wisdom of East Asia, jade heals stressed organs and removes toxins. Pumiced jade was applied to cheeks for beauty and is absorbed by the skin for health.

Jade skin and body care collections are considered for their powerful detoxifying, regenerating and revitalizing effects. In addition, all-natural skin care products also have the ability to repair and repair existing damage, protect against subsequent damage, and rejuvenate the color and quality of the skin. Becomes.

Infrared radiation is an invisible light that penetrates the body from 5.5 to 6 inches. Infrared light is part of the invisible spectrum of the sun. However, we can feel this kind of light, which we perceive as heat. This deep penetrating heat provides relief for acute and chronic pain as well as a natural healing response.

Finally, the fact that jade emits infrared rays means that the properties of jade can reach the human body directly. For example, sunlight reaches the earth through space. Infrared rays with their ability to penetrate deeply can reach the subcutaneous layers of the body and create the right internal heat to activate the molecule in living tissue. Jade penetrates the body with infrared energy and as a result, warms your body and blood safely and calmly. Your blood vessels dilate and the amount of chi increases, which allows red, white and other blood cells to circulate well in the body. With the rapid movement of blood cells, they can excrete toxins faster, destroy damaged cells and tissues faster, and return faster to the kidneys and lungs, allowing the filtration process to occur more quickly.

What birthstone is Jade ?

Jade is the official gem for the 12th anniversary.