All about jade stone

Jadeite is very popular in many countries and cultures of the world. Outwardly, it looks like jade, the difference between them lies in the chemical composition, so jadeite is a separate breed. There are not many deposits of this mineral in the world - it is considered rare and especially valuable.

There is no consensus among historians about the origin of the name of this stone; only certain versions are expressed. Some argue that the word “jadeite” is a derivative of the Spanish expression piedro de jade, which means “kidney stone”. Most likely, such associations are connected with the fact that the stone rolled in the rivers resembles a kidney in its shape, and this is another similarity of the mineral with jade, the name of which in Greek means “kidney”.

In English, this mineral is called axestone - it translates as "stone of axes." Such a definition is fully consistent with all the properties of the stone - it is 4 times harder than granite.

Scientists found that stone was used by people in the Neolithic era, and the popularity of such tools did not decrease at all even after humanity acquired the skills of metal processing. Over time, tools made of jadeite, from the category of everyday products went into the category of ritual, and they even began to ascribe magical properties.

As culture and art developed, figurines and jewelry were made from jadeite. For example, similar products were found in China, whose age is 4-6 millennia - in this country the stone was considered a symbol of state power and the power of the imperial family. For a long time they made money of the highest dignity from it.

In other countries, jadeite was also considered one of the most important and expensive stones. So, the Aztecs appreciated it much more than any other jewelry and gems. The legend has reached our times that when Cortes left Mexico, taking away all the gold found there, the ruler of Montezuma rejoiced at the thought that the conquerors did not know about the deposits of jadeite.

By its structure, jadeite belongs to minerals, it is a silicate with impurities of sodium, manganese, potassium, and also magnesium. The stone belongs to the same category of rocks as asbestos, but differs in much greater hardness - it is so strong that even a sledgehammer will not be able to split this one.

The chemical composition of this mineral is unique - it is known that it contains about 60 chemical elements, and among the main compounds there are:

• silicon dioxide - 55-60%;
• aluminum oxide - 15-30%;
• sodium oxide - 10-16%;
• iron oxides - 0-6%;
• magnesium oxide - 0.5-8%;
• calcium oxide - 0.5-12%.

Depending on the percentage of elements, the shade of the stone also varies.

The description of the physical properties of jadeite is as follows:

• grain structure:
• high viscosity;
• hardness - 6-7;
• kink - cryptocrystalline;
• refractive index - about 1.6;
• variance is not;
• optical effect - no;
• luminescence - no;
• distinct absorption line;
• magnetic properties - no;
• degree of transparency - variable;
• shine - oily, glass.

In nature, there are green, pink, purple, lilac, blue, as well as other types of minerals.

There are several basic varieties of the mineral.

• Imperial - It is jadeite of a saturated green shade, fine-grained structure. The cost of such jadeite is comparable to the cost of diamonds, and sometimes it is estimated and more expensive. For example, in 1980, one of the gems of this type was sold for $ 2 million.

• Utilities - a relatively inexpensive type of gems, it is usually heterogeneous in composition, has a blue opaque hue. Matte and black glossy stones are also found - they are usually used as ornamental material.

• Commercial - These are green jadeite with low transparency. They are mainly used in decoration, but some stones have found application in the manufacture of jewelry.

• Chloromelanitis - This is a dark green or gray mineral, which is due to the presence of impurities of aluminum, iron and sodium sulfate.

• Albite - differs from all other types of jadeite in a bright green shade and the presence of internal embossing, veins and small dots.

The most expensive are considered transparent stones of green color, much lower evaluated:

• blue;
• yellow;
• lemon;
• lilac;
• violet;
• yellow;
• reds.

It should be noted that jadeite is often faked, it is rather difficult to distinguish fake, but it is possible. Stones such as prenite, chrysoprase, aventurine quartz and some others are often given out as minerals.

In addition, a real stone is usually heavier than it seems in appearance - this is due to its increased density. TYou should also be aware that jadeite is quite hard and can easily scratch glass and some other types of surfaces.

The mystery of the origin of this stone has been unraveled recently. Geologists have established that a precious gem is formed in the mountain depths, the main condition for its formation is subzero temperature, as well as high blood pressure. Stone formation is a multi-stage phenomenon.

Areas of indigenous stone deposits remain not fully understood - all deposits developed today are only secondary deposits. Their number is small - no more than a dozen. The mineral is mined in China, Mexico, Japan, Burma, as well as in America and Indonesia. In Russia, deposits are located in the Far East, south of the Krasnodar Territory, in Khakassia and some near-polar regions.

High-quality gem comes to the market only from Burma, a small amount of green jadeite was found in Japan, but it does not leave the borders of this country.

Gems are known for their beneficial healing and magical properties, and jadeite is no exception. This stone is attributed to the ability to stabilize energy, normalize the emotional background and regulate blood pressure.

Since ancient times, jadeite has been used to get rid of kidney pathologies - it treats them independently, and also enhances the healing effect of drugs. It is known that beads from gems improve the condition with hypertension.

It is believed that rings with this stone have a beneficial effect on the organs of vision, contribute to the treatment of myopia and relieve eye strain. However, it should be borne in mind that to achieve a therapeutic effect is possible only if you carry the mineral with you constantly. According to ancient Chinese medicine, the energy vibrations of jadeite have a powerful effect on every cell of the human body, thereby promoting rejuvenation, increase internal forces, and also normalize all internal organs and tissues.

Ancient physicians made extensive use of jade powder. So, mixing it with onion juice, asthma and diabetes were successfully treated, and in combination with rice and morning dew they were used to strengthen the musculoskeletal system - this treatment made the body flexible, strong and resilient. The wanderers took a drink in order not to suffer from thirst and hunger.

The magical significance of this stone deserves no less attention, here are just a few of its properties.

• Like jade, green jadeite can protect from troubles and major troubles.
• Heavenly stone brings harmony and emotional well-being to a person’s life.
• When worn by unbalanced and hot-tempered people, it helps to reduce anger and external aggression.
• For men and women with lowered self-esteem, the stone gives self-confidence.
• In order to conclude a bargain, it is recommended that you hold a jadeite piece in your fist during negotiations.
• The talisman is able to protect against envious and ill-wishers, protects against theft and the actions of fraudsters.
• The effect of jadeite on the relations of parents and children is very favorable - the mineral helps to establish trusting relationships, allows you to achieve mutual understanding and kindred love.
• Ancient people sacredly believed that the mineral could stop the rain or, conversely, cause it. Nowadays, the mineral has gained the power of the mascot of productivity.
• Jadeite is known to remain faithful to its owner throughout his life. The mineral takes care of its owner with all its might, protects from troubles, shocks and actions of unkind people, brings family well-being and peace to the relationship. There are legends that if strong aggression is directed at the owner of the stone, then the jadeite takes over all the negativity and splits it up. If this happens, you need to bury the mineral, not forgetting to say “thank you” to him goodbye.

Jadeite fits many characters zodiac.

• Lions it gives compassion and calm, pacifies their hot-tempered nature, eliminates emotional stress, in addition, regulates blood pressure.

• Sagittarius Mineral brings family happiness. It is believed that if people born under this sign buy such a stone in the form of a figurine and put it in the most prominent place, then the jadeite will protect all family members from the evil eye, and also create a strong unbreakable bond between them.

• Aries the gem helps to direct powerful energy in a peaceful direction, sets in a positive way, helps harmonize relations with parents and children.

• Virgo - This is a sign that loves nature, and under the auspices of jadeite, representatives of the sign will be able to feel complete unity with it, and they will also successfully grow plants.

• Libra they always feel the positive energy of jadeite, it directs them on the right path, makes them believe in themselves, gain faith and confidence in the coming day.

• Twinsthose who wear the mineral will be more patient with people around them; jadeite will protect them from bad influence and avoid negative situations.

But not all zodiac signs fit this stone. So, Capricorns should refrain from jadeite - only troubles await them, a stone worsens a person’s mental abilities and reduces concentration.

People of these signs who are in contact with jadeite begin to focus on their own opinion and cease to reckon with the opinions and feelings of others.

The properties of jadeite allow it to be widely used for the manufacture of amulets, but this is not the only area of ​​application of the mineral. Due to the beauty of the stone, jewelers often use it to create brooches, beads, rings, bracelets, as well as earrings and rings. Fashionable figurines, aquarium decorations, vases, caskets, as well as many other decorative items are carved from a polished gem. In eastern medicine, the mineral is used to heal ailments by applying the mineral to active points on the human body.

Jadeite is a well-known “bath stone”, which has been widely used for filling ovens. In the process of evaporation, metasilicic acid and some other useful trace elements begin to come out of it. Through the respiratory system, they penetrate the body and contribute to the healing of the whole organism.

So that the stone does not lose its beauty and transparency over time, it is necessary adhere to simple rules for caring for him.

• Jadeite should not be kept in a place with high humidity, and storage in high dust conditions should also be avoided. Do not expose the stone to direct ultraviolet rays.

• Every six months, jadeite should be cleaned with soap and water, after cleaning, the stone must be wiped dry, any chemicals are prohibited.

• Whenever possible, try to protect your stone from mechanical shock and damage.

A lot of beautiful legends and beliefs are associated with jadeite. So, according to the legends of the ancient Aztecs, the gods first created children from this stone, and only then they embodied them in the womb.

In China, jewelry from this stone could afford only the most senior noble. It is believed that this stone is a relative of all other precious stones in the world, symbolizing the most important human virtues: wisdom, courage, mercy, as well as modesty and justice.

In the East, they sacredly believe in the power of this stone. It is no coincidence that the best compliment a woman can make is considered "You are beautiful as a jadeite." Probably there is no such Chinese who would not try to save up money and purchase one of the jewelry with this stone, because for many millennia minerals have been a sign of prosperity, wealth and high social status of their owners.

To make sure that jadeite is a really beautiful and interesting stone for creating jewelry and various figurines, consider the following photo selection.

You can learn more about this stone from the video below.