Jade properties

Jade, named "piedra de ijada" or "stone of the side" by 15th-century conquistadors, owes its name to its ancient reputation for healing kidney ailments and nephritic colic, as well as its legendary protective powers against malevolent spirits, according to Native American beliefs.

This stone, highly valued in decor and jewelry, actually encompasses three distinct but visually similar minerals: jadeite, nephrite, and kosmochlor.

In 1863, mineralogist Alexis Damour differentiated the two main types of jade: jadeite and nephrite. The term "jadeite" also derives from the Latin "lapis nephriticus" or "stone of the flank," a nod to Native American beliefs in its protective properties for internal organs.

Jade is thus divided into two primary types:

1. Nephrite jade – Composed of calcium and magnesium silicate, nephrite is recognized for its hues ranging from creamy white to dark olive green, with occasional brown or black shades. Its surface often has a light, natural sheen that gives it a smooth, satiny appearance, making it highly valued in sculpture.
2. Jadeite jade – Made of sodium and aluminum silicate, jadeite is prized for its extensive color variety, although green remains its iconic color. Its shades span from pure white to black, with variations in pink, blue-green (also known as Olmec jade), dark green (Mayan jade), blue, emerald green, lavender, red, orange, and even greenish-black. Jadeite is rarer than nephrite, denser, and often preferred in high-quality jewelry.

Buying jade requires caution due to the many imitations on the market. Serpentine, for instance, sometimes referred to as antigorite, is a less expensive and much softer stone that, once dyed, can resemble jade. Though often used in sculpture due to its malleability, it lacks both the hardness and the spiritual virtues attributed to true jade.

Physically, jade is an extremely hard stone, with a Mohs hardness of 6 to 7 for jadeite and 6 to 6.5 for nephrite, making it durable and suitable for daily wear. Its fibrous, granular structure gives jade exceptional resistance to impact, a feature that also contributed to its popularity as a material for tools and ceremonial objects in many ancient cultures.

Stories, legends and beliefs about the jade stone

Since the Neolithic era, jade has been used to craft weapons, ornamental objects, and ritual items, reflecting its spiritual as well as practical value. This stone is associated with wisdom, longevity, and prosperity in many ancient cultures.

The Egyptians revered jade, associating it with Maat, the goddess of justice, as its green color symbolized balance, truth, and harmony.

Among the Celts of Ireland, jade was linked to Brigit, the goddess of the feminine principle, fertility, and healing.

In ancient times, jade adorned homes with delicate carvings that symbolized protection, longevity, and prosperity, highlighting the aesthetic and symbolic value of this stone in daily life.

Jade also represented the Moirai in Greek mythology, the three goddesses of fate who governed the destinies of humans from birth to death, underscoring jade’s symbolic depth as a stone of destiny. The Greeks also recognized its therapeutic virtues: they used jade to soothe tired eyes by placing pieces of it on the eyelids and applied cleansing solutions to relieve eye infections. In elixir form, jade was used to treat snake or rodent bites as well as stomach pain, revealing its versatility in healing.

The Romans, in turn, associated jade with Bona Dea, goddess of the earth and fertility, further reinforcing the connection between this stone and nature, fertility, and abundance.

In China, jade, or "Yu," has held a central place in art and culture since ancient times. It was considered a symbol of purity, nobility, and immortality, embodying the quintessence of virtue. Jade symbolized the absolute power of the emperor: he held a jade scepter, while the five principal princes each possessed a jade tablet they were required to return annually to the emperor. This ritual allowed the emperor to decide whether to maintain their status.
According to Chinese mythology, jade was even perceived as the dried semen of dragons, imbuing it with an aura of divinity and cosmic power. The stone was so sacred that its use in medicine was strictly regulated, and any damage inflicted upon a jade object could be punishable by death.
In funerary rituals, a jade cicada was placed in the mouth of the deceased, symbolizing eternal life and resurrection. Jade was used to preserve the yin energies, thus preventing the body’s decomposition and ensuring a favorable reincarnation.
Jade was also a symbol of love and marital happiness, connected with the goddess Guan-Yin, embodiment of mercy, compassion, and unconditional love. Traditionally, a piece of jade carved into a butterfly was offered to the bride-to-be during engagement, recalling a legend in which a young man, while chasing a colorful butterfly, entered the gardens of a wealthy mandarin. Instead of being punished for his intrusion, he met the mandarin’s daughter and eventually married her. This ritual perpetuates the symbol of joyful love and conjugal happiness.
Chinese wedding ceremonies also honor jade: newlyweds drink from a jade cup shaped like a rooster, symbolizing fidelity. This tradition draws inspiration from a touching legend in which a white rooster is said to have sacrificed itself to remain alongside its beloved mistress.

For pre-Hispanic peoples, especially the Maya, jade was more valuable than gold, symbolizing creation and the essence of life. When Cortés asked Moctezuma to surrender his treasures, hoping for vast amounts of gold, Moctezuma offered him jade instead, considering it priceless.
In the tribes of Mexico, Central America, and South America, jade was also closely associated with water, and jade offerings were regularly cast into sacred wells or cenotes to invoke water spirits. This precious stone was frequently used to create masks and ritual objects, embodying a sacred connection with natural elements and spiritual practices.
The Aztecs linked jade to Chalchiuhtlicue, the goddess of water and protector of children, whose name means "she of the jade skirt." The stone was also dedicated to Coatlicue, the goddess of life and death, known as the "serpent skirt," underscoring jade’s rich symbolism within their pantheon.

The Maori people of New Zealand also regarded jade as sacred, particularly in the form of nephrite, which was associated with water and the goddess Hine-nui-te-po, the great lady of night and death. One of the most iconic Maori artifacts is the Hei-tiki, a pendant often carved from jade, representing a mythical ancestor. The Maori wore it around their neck to merge their mana, or spiritual energy, with that of their ancestors, thus strengthening their connection with their lineage.

Mines:

For the nephrite jade, China, Russia, New Zealand, Canada.

For the jadeite jade, Guatemala, Kazakhstan, Myanmar, Kosmochlor (imperial jade).

Healing properties and benefits of the jade

Jade, imbued with its ancestral virtues, offers a multitude of benefits for the body and mind, widely recognized in lithotherapy.

• By strengthening the heart, kidneys, and immune system, jade acts as a holistic support for health, enhancing vitality and physical resilience. It is renowned for its purifying properties, particularly for the blood: it stimulates the spleen, kidneys, and adrenal glands, promoting optimal blood circulation. This purifying function is also linked to cell regeneration and renewal.
• Traditionally, jade is believed to increase longevity and fertility, particularly in men, supporting both sexual vitality and creative energy. It is also said to have a beneficial effect on the eyes and vision, helping to maintain visual clarity while soothing eye fatigue.
• As it is connected to the element of water, jade is also associated with hormonal balance and the menstrual cycle. This stone is particularly valued by women, as it is believed to promote a regular, complication-free cycle and relieve menstrual pain.
• Emotionally, jade balances the nerves and soothes the heart rate, fostering peace of mind. This calming power encourages relaxation and helps to alleviate anxiety and stress. On the physical level, it helps to relieve joint pain, particularly in the hips and lower back, offering a warming and relaxing effect.
• Jade is known for its ability to combat bacterial and viral infections. It can notably help in treating cystitis and genitourinary infections, thereby enhancing general well-being.
• As a symbol of charity, justice, modesty, value, and wisdom, jade embodies inner strength and harmony that endures through time and trials. The stone serves as a spiritual guide, promoting wisdom and emotional balance.
• Furthermore, jade is used as an anchoring stone in meditation, helping to open the heart chakra and harmonize inner energies. It inspires compassion and tolerance, encouraging a kind and balanced attitude in relationships.
• In practices of spiritual protection, jade is often considered an energetic shield, repelling negative energies and bringing deep peace. It is said to attract good fortune and encourage positive opportunities.

Jade jewelry samples