Jade is a name that was applied to ornamental stones that were being brought to Europe from China and Central America. It wasn't until 1863 that it was realized that the name "Jade" was being applied to two different minerals, Jadeite and Nephrite. The two minerals are both exquisite and are hard to distinguish from each other.
Jadeite is almost never found in individual crystals and is composed of microscopic interlocking crystals that produce a very tough material. Nephrite is actually not a mineral, but a variety of the mineral actinolite.
The toughness of jade is remarkable. The strength of jade is greater than steel and was put to work by many early civilizations for axes, knives and weapons. It was later that jade became a symbolic stone used in ornaments and other religious artifacts during the eons.
Today jade is still valued for its beauty. Its many colors are appreciated, but it’s the emerald green color, that jadeite produces so well, that is highly sought after by artwork collectors. This emerald green jade called "Imperial Jade" is colored by chromium. Other colors are influenced by iron (green and brown) and manganese is thought to produce the violet colors. Lavender Jade is the most highly valued and the rarest form of the stone. Nephrite is usually only green and creamy white, while jadeite can have the full range of jade's colors.
Jadeite is from Myanmar, Japan, and USA (Alaska and California). Nephrite Jade is from Myanmar, Russia, China and USA (Wyoming).
Be aware that Serpentine is often sold as Jade. Here is a sample of misleading terms:
"Amazon Jade" and "Colorado Jade" is really Amazonite (green feldspar).
"American Jade" is really the Californite (green variety of idocrase).
"Imperial Mexican Jade" and "Mexican Jade" are really green-dyed calcite.
"Indian Jade" is really aventurine.
"Korea Jade" and "New Jade" are Serpentine.
In China, jade is regarded as a special stone. It is believed that when handled some of the secret virtue of the substance is absorbed into the body. Jade has been treasured in China as the royal gemstone, for 5,000 years. A butterfly carved from jade holds a special romantic significance. Ancient Chinese legend tells of a youth who wandered into the garden of a wealthy mandarin in pursuit of a multi-colored butterfly. Instead of being punished for trespassing, his visit led to marriage with the mandarin's daughter. Today, a jade butterfly symbolizes successful love.
Legends have it that the Spanish conquers of Central America wore amulets of Jadeite to prevent/cure hip and kidney complaints.
Jade is the Mystical Birthstone for March and the anniversary gemstone for the 12th, 30th and 35th year of marriage.
You can see the finished custom-designed necklace I made for Gretchen on my Facebook page in the photo album named "Customers or Friends wearing my Creations."
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