Jade - the magical and healing properties of the stone, to whom it suits according to their zodiac sign and name

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Jade is a semi-precious stone. Its name is translated from ancient Greek as “kidney”. Since ancient times, it has been used as a remedy for kidney diseases. Amulets were made from it, which, according to old beliefs, brought good luck. The strong structure of the mineral rock allowed it to be used as a material for weapons.

Semi-precious stone jade

Description of jade

Jade is a semi-precious stone that is often used as an ornamental material.
Jade is a dense, opaque stone.
Its luster varies from glassy to greasy depending on the chemical formula and composition of the specimens. In nature there are samples of different colors. The most common are green, the rarest are blue and red. The surface of the mineral may have a pattern with a smooth transition of shade, spots or stripes. The video below demonstrates what different types of jade look like.

Physicochemical characteristics

It belongs to the group of amphiboles - minerals of the silicate class from the tremolite-actinolite series with a crystalline base in the form of double chains consisting of silicon-oxygen tetrahedra, the space between them is filled with ions of iron, magnesium and other elements. It has a fibrous structure.

The most valuable quality of jade is increased impact strength, i.e. the ability to absorb mechanical energy during deformation and destruction by impact force. It is difficult to split the mineral.

The chemical formula Ca2 (Mg,Fe)5(OH,F)Si4O11)2 contains the following elements:

• silicon – about 55%;
• calcium – up to 16%;
• magnesium – about 19-25%.

In small proportions, the chemical composition of the mineral contains iron (0.1-8%), aluminum (0.1-5%), hydrogen (up to 4%), sodium (up to 2%), manganese (less than 0.25%) , potassium (up to 2%).

Characteristics of physical properties:

• hardness on the Mohs scale 5.5-6.5;
• untreated can be transparent or translucent;
• viscous, splintered, during polishing it acquires a greasy sheen;
• density 2.8-3.3 per cubic cm;
• the limiting limits of refraction are 1.6-1.65.

Origin story

It is unknown when and where jade was first used. The stone received its official name only in 1863. Previously, in each country it was called differently. The name of the gem comes from the Greek word “nephron”, which means “kidney”. The stone was given this name because of its similarity with the appearance of this organ.

The oldest jade objects were discovered at Neanderthal sites.

Our ancestors also noted that this is a durable, hard material that is easy to process. As soon as a person learned figurative carving, he began to make jewelry from gemstones. Later, the stone was endowed with mystical properties, and it became widespread almost throughout the world.

In China, the crystal was revered as a powerful amulet. It was used to make posthumous “armor” - a shell made of many plates that protected the body from rotting. Jade sarcophagi were made for the nobility. Thin planks were made from white stone and signs or patterns were applied to them. The amulets were hung from a hat or belt so that when walking the minerals would collide with each other and ring. The Chinese believed that this sound scared away evil spirits. They lined palaces and baths with crystal, and associated it with order, prosperity and imperial power.

New Zealand was inhabited by Maori tribes, whose descendants still revere the stone as sacred. For them, this is part of the cult of ancestors. Maori have long made statues of heroes and tombstones for dead people from jade. This material is still in demand in New Zealand in the field of funeral services.

The Mayan tribes used the mineral in magic. They believed that the gem brought a rich harvest, prosperity and health. Cult figurines were made from it and worshiped.

Origin of the name and history

Why did the mineral get this name? This is explained by the fact that the word νεφρό (Greek) means kidney. The stone resembles this human organ. It is not surprising that for a long time jade has been sacred and served as a medicine for kidney diseases.

New Zealand, Maori or jade are other popular names for jade.

When magma from a volcano penetrates rock, this amazing mineral is formed. It is found in rivers and small streams, as well as in quarries of various sizes. The stones that were mined using the first method are more valuable because when interacting with water, it becomes more durable.

This type of mineral has been used since ancient times. The first historical data is found in the Neolithic, when amulets were made from this rock. They brought good luck. And also weapons. These products were distinguished by their durability.

In the American South it was used as a piercing that was inserted into the lip. This indicated that the person wanted to become a servant of the spirits.

In Turkey they added it to rings, belts and weapons because they believed in luck.

Hei-tiki was made from stone in New Zealand. They were passed on from one generation to another. These are the figures that served as a talisman. If a person was the last of his kind, then this amulet was buried with him.

The stone was popular because it could be worked and was noted for its durability.

In ancient China, jade was used for some time as money. It was also used when weighing gold. More than one treatise was devoted to the mineral. They even held competitions, and the main prize was jade.

Confucius played a musical instrument called a lithophone, which was made from this mineral.

Deposits and stone mining

The formation of jade is associated with volcanic activity, so it is found in regions where there are volcanoes. Large reserves of gems are concentrated in Russia. The main production points are in the Urals, in Tuva, in the Ospinskoye field and the Ulan-Khodinsky deposits. New Zealand is the leader among import suppliers. Rare, valuable specimens are obtained there.

The stone is mined in Peru, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, China, Canada and the USA.

Most of the old deposits have already been depleted, but geologists are constantly finding new deposits.

Jade for Scorpio

Scorpio should wear jade if he wants to tame his ardent nature. This mineral is called the mineral of justice, and it is believed that it can force Scorpio to listen to other people’s opinions and establish contact with others. However, yellow jade is capable of not only pacifying, but also activating the energy inside, and then directing it in the right direction. The impulsiveness of a representative of this sign can be maintained and strengthened to make life more interesting and colorful. This same mineral will be a kind of “shield” from the consequences after such games with fire. Jade will become a faithful and beautiful amulet for representatives of the zodiac sign Scorpio.

Types of jade

Depending on the color and pattern on the surface, several varieties of jade are distinguished. Stones are green, pink, blue, purple, light, lilac, golden, honey, etc.

Xiuyan

Xiuyan is a type of gemstone mined in the county of the same name in Liaoning Province. The stone has a light green or off-white color. Most often it is translucent, but occasionally transparent specimens are found.

Xiuyan is a translucent jade that is colored white or light green.

Lantian

Lantian is a county in Shanxi Province. It is located north of Xi'an. The variety of jade that is mined there received the same name. The mineral is colored in yellow shades and has green inclusions. Sometimes there is a pattern on the surface that resembles clouds.

Nanyang

Nanyang is the most common type of gem. It is brought from the district of the same name, located in Henan province. It is a translucent stone that most often has a white or yellowish color. It contains green, pink and lilac inclusions. The stone has a heterogeneous composition. Most often it is used to make figurines and sculptures.

Khotan

Khotan is the most valuable Chinese jade variety. It is obtained from deposits in the district of the same name in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The hue of this type of mineral is described as the color of lamb fat. It has a thick matte shine and almost does not reflect light.

In ancient times, only the emperor could wear items made from such gems.

Properties of the jade mineral

In terms of strength, native jade is close to a material such as steel. Its density is greater than that of glass, but does not reach the levels of quartz.

As for such characteristics as transparency, nuggets most often do not differ in it. Only thin plates are capable of transmitting light. Finding a transparent stone is a great success. Such a sample will be very expensive.

Another feature that distinguishes jade is its viscosity. This indicator is also at a very high level and determines the strength of the stone, which is not so easy to split into pieces. And if polishing is carried out, the mineral will acquire a greasy shine.

Characteristics of jade:

• Color – green, white (beige, cream), yellow, blue, red, black;
• Jade hardness – 2.9 – 3;
• Transparency – transparent, semi-transparent, not transparent;
• Density – 3.5;
• Gloss – matte, glassy;
• Fragility – low degree.

Areas of application

The highest quality samples are used in jewelry. The first grade is used for the production of budget jewelry. Second grade specimens are used as facing materials. They are needed for finishing the external walls of buildings and interior spaces. Jade is often used in the construction of baths and saunas, since the mineral retains heat well.

Jade is actively used in the decoration of baths and saunas.

How to wear jade

Jade is a mineral that has a lot of magical and healing properties, and therefore there are some aspects that you need to know before wearing jade jewelry.

For example, it is worth finding out who jade is suitable for, how to wear jade for representatives of various zodiac signs, how it is combined with other minerals, metals, and, of course, how to wear jade in accordance with clothing (style, color), as well as with a person’s appearance.

How to wear jade correctly:

• Jade - who is suitable depending on the zodiac sign. This mineral is most suitable for representatives of Virgo and Libra. It makes these people more self-confident, gives them strength and faith in themselves. At the same time, it is recommended that they wear it in the form of a bracelet on their right hand. But everyone else can wear jade too. At the same time, astrologers recommend: blue and black jades are more suitable for water signs, green ones are more suitable for Earth signs, white and yellow jades are an excellent choice for Air signs, and red minerals are perfect for fire signs;
• The appearance of the person wearing it is also important in the question of how to wear jade. For example, green, yellow, and red jades are suitable for girls with red hair and green or brown eyes. Black and blue jades are suitable for blondes with blue eyes. Black or white jades suit brunettes very well;
• Jade should be worn by people who want to achieve success in their career. This stone helps develop abilities and promotes career advancement. It is not for nothing that the Chinese consider this mineral a symbol of intelligence and wisdom;
• How to wear jade in combination with certain clothes. Of course, you can choose clothes to match the color of the stone or vice versa (if possible). Green jades go well with clothes in gray, yellow, brown tones, as well as with black clothes. Blue jades look beautiful with brown, blue, black and white clothes. Under red jade, it is better to wear an outfit of classic colors - black, white or red (a combination of these is allowed). Yellow and brown jades will match an outfit of brown, yellow, cream, white;
• Those wishing to find their soulmate are also recommended to wear white jade;
• Those who believe in the magical and healing properties of jade should wear a ring with cream, white or yellow jade as an amulet and talisman. It will also help the family to maintain and achieve success in the profession. By the way, to maintain home comfort and family well-being, it is recommended to have some kind of jade craft at home; Before purchasing jade, learn how to distinguish it from a fake
• A lock made of jade can serve as a talisman for a child. This talisman will protect the child, protect him from everything bad and from a bad look, including;
• It is important to know not only who is suitable for jade, but also who is not recommended to wear it. But it should not be worn by people who are planning something bad, whose goals are not noble and can harm someone who harbors evil intentions and is a dishonest, insincere, evil, deceitful person;
• It is also important how to wear jade with other minerals. In this matter, it is important to be guided by the combination of colors. It is also worth considering that it is recommended to combine transparent minerals with transparent ones, and opaque ones with opaque ones. Thus, green jade will go well, for example, with chrysoprase or greenish amazonite, and yellow jade and carnelian will make an excellent ensemble. White and black stones and transparent white stones are universally compatible. Therefore, pearls and jade will be a wonderful duet, as well as onyx or black agate with jade;
• How to wear jade with metals is a question that also deserves attention. It is believed that jade in silver has greater magical power than jade in gold. At the same time, jade in gold looks no less beautiful and harmonious than jade in silver, and the stone also retains its magical abilities in combination with this metal.

Proper wearing of jade also includes proper care of the stone.

Healing properties

The stone has the following beneficial effects on the body:

1. Eliminates kidney diseases . The mineral promotes rapid recovery. It improves the functioning of the immune system and allows you to quickly cope with germs. Inflammation decreases and pain goes away.
2. Warms up . Jade retains heat well, so it can be used as a heating pad. When used correctly, it relieves pain and improves blood circulation. However, the stone should not be applied to purulent inflammations, as this will create a favorable environment for the proliferation of bacteria.
3. Launches regenerative processes . This property of the mineral was discovered by Tibetan monks. They applied the stone to the area next to the wound to stimulate healing. Jade promotes cell division and restoration, thereby reducing inflammation.
4. Increases blood circulation . This property is manifested during stone massage. Thanks to the special structure of the gem, it is possible to remove toxins from the body. This improves a person’s general condition, relieves him of pain and makes him more energetic.
5. Treats infertility . This property manifests itself especially well in the case of women. The stone promotes conception, the formation of a healthy fetus and easy childbirth. The gem is worn after the birth of a child to strengthen the bond with him.

The benefits of jade for human health.

Healing properties of jade

Since ancient times, folk doctors believed that with the help of jade you can cure any ailments, no matter how serious they may be.

It was also used for prophylactic purposes to prevent the development of diseases. For this purpose, according to the recommendation of healers, it was necessary to grind a small amount of the mineral to a powder state, and then consume 1 teaspoon daily with water.

What other abilities are attributed to the stone?

• it successfully copes with pathologies of the kidneys and bladder;
• has a healing effect on the gastrointestinal tract;
• helps pregnant women feel better during pregnancy, plus facilitates the process of childbirth - for this it is recommended to wear products with jade as close to the stomach as possible;
• the mineral eliminates insomnia, drives away nightmares, reduces anxiety;
• many healers treat their patients with special jade balls, which they use to massage the face and body. This therapy improves the condition of the skin, treats rashes, eliminates fine wrinkles, makes the skin smooth and silky;
• and with special jade plates they heal skin damage and bruises, applying them to sore spots;
• the stone slows down the development of inflammation in the body;
• a pendant with jade will help open the heart chakra and the solar plexus chakra, while improving the condition of the corresponding organs;
• Jade is also notable for the fact that it retains heat for a long time. Thanks to this property, it is successfully used as a natural heating pad for the treatment of kidney ailments or back diseases.

An interesting nuance. If you put a piece of jade in cold water, it will not cool immediately, but will first become warm, only then giving up all the heat to the water.

Magic properties

The mineral has the following magical properties:

1. Helps make a decision . If you face a difficult choice, wear jewelry. It will relieve you of unnecessary emotions, allow you to evaluate circumstances and sharpen your intuition. You will become more aware of the consequences of your actions. Even if you don’t know what to do in a difficult situation, jade will help you find a way out.
2. Strengthens the thirst for knowledge . It becomes easier for the native speaker to learn new skills and learn information. This talisman is well suited for students and schoolchildren. Its magical characteristics are highly valued by people engaged in self-development and spiritual practices.
3. Makes the wearer bold . The wearer becomes confident. People around him notice this: in their eyes, the owner of the jade looks more attractive. He exhibits leadership qualities; if desired, he can lead people with him. People often listen to the owner of the gem and ask for his opinion.
4. Allows you to change your life . Thanks to the increased desire for development and courage, the wearer of the talisman stops looking for a comfort zone. He comes out of it and tries his hand at different areas of life. This contributes to a change of place of work, residence, etc. People manage to change relationships with partners or break off ties if it is burdensome and does not allow them to move forward. In the second case, they quickly come to their senses and build new families.
5. Softens character . Jade relieves anger and aggression. A person stops getting angry over little things. He quickly calms down in a critical situation and begins to act productively. The owner of the stone does not give in to emotions. He easily makes compromises, which improves his relationships with others.
6. Allows you to better understand yourself . The owner of the jewelry begins to clearly see his strengths and weaknesses. He reveals talents faster and correctly assesses his own strengths.
7. Improves mood . The owner of the gem is less susceptible to depression and melancholy. He looks at the world optimistically and finds positive aspects even in problems and obstacles. The stone teaches you to turn initially unfavorable circumstances to your advantage.

Properties

Physical and chemical properties

Jade belongs to the amphibole family. It contains iron, chromium, magnesium, vanadium and silica.

Peculiarities:

• High strength and toughness are the main features of the stone.
• The color can vary significantly, ranging from milky to black, and also comes in yellow and green shades. The brightness of the color depends on the amount of FeO in the composition. Brown streaks, which are quite common, mean that the iron is oxidizing along the cracks. The most valuable stones are pale jade, which is transparent and has a greasy sheen.
• Hardness from 2.9 to 3.02, 3.5 on the Mohs scale. Its hardness is comparable to glass, but it is softer than quartz.
• The stone is opaque, but thin plates that are translucent are rare.
• Good viscosity.
• Easily processed and polished. After which a greasy shine appears.

Medicinal properties

1. One of the hallmarks of jade is that it is always warm. This is explained by the fact that it has a high heat capacity. Using this stone you can make a warm compress, which will help with kidney or stomach problems. In some countries it is called “kidney stone”, and many people confirm the positive effect after such treatment.
2. Helps with problems with blood pressure, normalizes the functioning of the lungs and heart, as well as other human organs. It can improve the overall condition.
3. Positively affects the circulatory system, liver and stomach.
4. Helps with vision and hearing problems.
5. Has a positive effect on hair and protects it from drying out and falling out.
6. Fights persistent nervous disorders, stress and headaches. Helps a person gain new strength and relieve fatigue.
7. Improves potency in men.
8. Helps with premature skin aging, sagging and eliminates wrinkles. Using the stone, a special cosmetic massage is performed, after which a positive effect is noticeable.

Magic properties

Chinese alchemists believe that jade is perfect and compare it to gold. This stone signifies absolute purity.

1. First of all, it is a stone of peace that helps you calm down and improve your life. For this purpose it is better to use a white mineral.
2. In European countries, jade is often used as an amulet, which awakens in its owner the most necessary qualities, such as honesty, courage and decency. This stone is treated with special respect and is often used to make jewelry.
3. The mineral is able to positively influence and change fate for the better. It gives peace and gives the desire to act.
4. This stone is often used for problems with sleep and nightmares. It will improve the sleep of its owner and calm him down.
5. You should definitely monitor the color of the stone; if it darkens, then the person is doing something wrong and it is better to change your mind. Some of the zodiac signs are especially sensitive to this.
6. Helps you make the right choice of your life partner and live a long time together. In China they believe that such decoration will help preserve youth.
7. Stimulation of libido is one of the magical properties of jade. In China, they believe that the mineral and sexuality are connected.

Charms and talismans

Jade can be used as a good luck talisman. It ensures winnings in gambling and helps businessmen make profitable deals. However, people who like risk should be careful: the stone does not provide complete protection, as a result you may lose a fortune or become a victim of attackers.

A jade amulet attracts wealth and good luck in business.

The mineral protects against phobias, the evil eye and witchcraft. It is customary to give jade beads to children to protect them from illness. The decoration will protect its owner from energy vampires. It will scare away the latter, preventing them from harming the owner.

History of jade stone

Surprisingly, our ancestors began processing jade back in the Neolithic era. This was discovered by archaeologists who excavated ancient settlements and discovered unusual figurines, jewelry and amulets made from this material.

The properties of jade stone were highly valued in Ancient China, where they not only made weights from it for weighing precious metals, but also used it as a means of payment. When various tests were held on the strength and endurance of warriors, the winner received a reward from this gem. Members of the imperial family had jade pillows.

An ancient musical instrument, the lithophone, which was made from this stone, has also reached us. The philosopher Confucius loved to play music on it, describing the powerful energy the mineral jade has.

The Indians who inhabited the American continent also knew what jade was and valued it much more than gold. Jewelry made from it showed the level of power of the owner. The local population was sincerely surprised by the fact that the Europeans who arrived on ships did not pay any attention to this mineral.

The jade amulet was an integral part of the Maori culture that inhabited New Zealand. “Hei-tiki” looked like a little man and was passed down from generation to generation. If the clan ended, then the amulet was buried in the ground along with the last representative. And the Turks believed that jade rings, belts, and weapon handles decorated with this stone would bring good luck in military affairs.

Jade stone was brought to the Russian Empire from China, and this continued until the second half of the 19th century, when it turned out that the Eastern Sayan Mountains were rich in these deposits. It was processed at a factory in Peterhof, from where incredibly beautiful products were sent to exhibitions and to their new owners.

Influence on zodiac signs

The gem has a beneficial effect on representatives of any zodiac sign. This is a stone that suits the horoscope of all people, but everyone will extract something different from the energy of the crystal.

Capricorn

Black jade is suitable for Capricorns. The dark gem will charge the wearer with energy and provide him with the strength to make what he wants into reality. You can wear a green crystal, but it will bring less benefits.

Twins

Geminis are recommended to choose a blue or white stone. It will protect the owner from negativity coming from outside. Since Geminis often have many envious people and enemies, this property will be very useful to them. It is advisable to have a gem figurine at your workplace if you work in a team.

Blue jade suits Gemini well.

Scales

Libra is the most energetically compatible sign with jade. You can use crystals of any color, but it is better to pay attention to white stones. They will strengthen the health of the wearer and grant longevity.

Sagittarius

It is advisable for Sagittarius to wear jewelry with red gems. They will attract the attention of the opposite sex, will contribute to creating a family and conceiving a child. If Sagittarius already has a partner, the relationship with him will strengthen.

Cancer

It is better for Cancers to take the help of the yellow crystal. It will attract good luck and financial well-being. Cancers will be less anxious about obstacles in their path, will concentrate on solving problems, will not give up and give up.

Taurus

A black gem suits Taurus well. It provides the owner with vital energy and makes him more persistent. Taurus people become less conservative and decide more quickly to make changes in life.

Black jade will help Taurus become more confident and purposeful.

a lion

Leo is recommended to wear a red mineral. It will make the owner lucky in love, will repel those people with whom relationships cannot work out, and will attract a karmic partner. Leo will become more lenient and generous towards others, and conflicts with others will arise less often.

Aquarius

Aquarius should wear blue and white gems. They will protect him from the evil eye, damage and ill-wishers. If there is a jade figurine in the house of Aquarius, enemies will not be able to cross the threshold.

Aries

Red crystals are suitable for Aries. They will act as a love talisman, allow you to make acquaintances and protect your partner from betrayal. Together with the gem, Aries will become more balanced and calm, and will not make decisions based on emotions.

Virgo

Virgo is recommended to prefer a red, black or green stone. It is better to wear it on the wrist of your right hand. In this case, the mineral will contribute to the creation of a family and attract good luck.

Fish

Pisces are advised to wear a yellow or black gem. The decoration will provide the wearer with energy and ground him a little: the owner will stop looking at the world through rose-colored glasses, but will remain a romantic. This will help him build relationships and get a new position at work.

Yellow jade has a positive effect on Pisces.

Scorpion

Yellow stones suit Scorpios well. They make the owner more open, teach him to trust people, and push him to self-development. The mineral protects Scorpio from itself: it absorbs the negativity that sometimes comes from its wearer.

The magical abilities of the mineral

What magical properties does the jade stone have and who is it suitable for? Let's figure it out.

1. Mystics believe that a mysterious mineral can prolong a person’s earthly life. Allegedly, it was from jade that alchemists learned to make the famous elixir of immortality. And if you just constantly wear jewelry with it, you will live a very long time.
2. The stone awakens the full intellectual potential of its owner. Thanks to this, the thinking process improves, it becomes easier to formulate your thoughts, and non-standard but effective methods for solving difficulties are found by themselves.
3. Jade protects against haste and thoughtless actions.
4. Teaches its owner how to throw past mistakes out of his head, starting life with a clean slate.
5. Reliably protects from the negative influence of evil forces and simply other people's bad energy.
6. Jade managed to win special love among esotericists. The latter believe that it activates extrasensory abilities in people, opening doors to other dimensions. For these reasons, the stone is a mandatory attribute of many magical rituals.
7. And magicians also believe that jade can cope even with the raging elements, protecting against hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes and other natural disasters.

How to distinguish a real stone from a fake

Most often, fakes are made of plastic and glass; less often, other gems are passed off as jade. To understand whether the stone in front of you is real, inspect it. The shine should not be too strong.

Natural jade is initially cold and heats up and cools down slowly.

If you look through the stone into the light, you can see the intertwining fibers. When colliding with a coin or other gems, jade makes a melodious sound.

Below in the photo you can see the original stone, fakes and similar minerals, such as jadeite.

Jadeite and jade are very similar, so it is extremely difficult to distinguish them.

Jade stone: who suits it according to their zodiac sign

If we talk about who is most suitable for jade, then it is most effective for Libra. People born under this sign will be able to develop their willpower and gain financial well-being.

For Pisces, Cancer and Aquarius, the mineral will bring more positive aspects into life and help make existence more harmonious.

Jade, the description of whose properties have been studied by many astrologers, will moderate the impulsiveness of Capricorns and help them make the right decisions.

Virgos, having made such a gem as their amulet, will be able to improve their personal life.

Gemini will be able to understand their emotions, and Aries will gain flexibility in relationships with others.

But Sagittarius and Taurus are better off avoiding the effects of this mineral and choosing some other talisman.

If you yourself feel that you are ready to change your life, the stone can help you in all your endeavors. It will become a reliable protection for you and will provide support, help you avoid difficult situations and protect you from troubles.

Virgo

Virgo is another sign for whom the jade stone is suitable according to the horoscope. People born at this time are extremely rational, so it is difficult to find a soul mate. Jade for Virgo is the mineral that will help you find a partner and become happier.

The best color to choose is from yellow to brown.

It will orient a Virgo man in a difficult situation, protect him from making wrong decisions, and help him maintain concentration.

For a Virgo woman, jade will help cope with the stress that so often falls on their fragile shoulders. Eliminates negativity and fills you with calm.

Varieties of jade

Homogeneous jades are a group of minerals characterized by uniform color and high translucency.

Homogeneous jades in color are:

• White - snow-white jades with a slight bluish, greenish, grayish or yellowish tint.
• Green – jades painted in bright green tones. They belong to high-grade jewelry and ornamental materials.
• Grayish-green - jades of a special smoky hue and muted green tone.
• Gray – jades with uneven alternation of dark gray and light gray areas. They are quite rare.

Where is it mined and how is it used?

The volcanic origin of the mineral explains its deposits in places where magma erupted onto the surface of the earth. The first jade deposits were discovered several centuries ago in China. After they began to actively mine this mineral, its reserves were depleted. It has already become firmly established in the culture of these countries, and is now actively exported from other jade deposits. Currently, mining is carried out in the following countries:

• Russia;
• USA;
• Taiwan;
• Australia;
• Kazakhstan;
• Italy;
• Germany;
• Canada and others.

Interesting fact! The largest jade ever found in the world was discovered in China in 1960 and weighed 260 tons and was 8 meters high. It lay there for 32 years before the Chinese authorities decided to make a Buddha statue out of it.

Jade in Russia is mainly mined in the territory of the Republic of Buryatia. This is where the bulk of the sources are located. In one of the deposits, very rare varieties of jade are mined: white, blue and red. The most famous mining sites in Russia:

• Ospinskoye field. Located in Southern Siberia. Mining is carried out from the Ilchir River, where there are veins of green jade. Stone extracted from water is highly dense, unlike rocks. Therefore, it acquired a higher value in the market. The uniqueness of the mined stone is determined by its optical effect - a cat's eye. Such minerals are in demand in the jewelry industry and are popular in Europe. However, it is known that the jade deposits in the Ospinskoye deposit are almost depleted.
• Ulan – Khodinskoye field. The purest green stones in the world are mined here, with the exception of small inclusions of the spinel mineral. At the mouth of the Khara-Zhalga River there are 21 veins of this mineral. But due to the poorly developed infrastructure of this area, mining is difficult.

The scope of application of jade is extremely diverse:

• Used as an ornamental material. Making utensils, vases, souvenirs, and amulets from jade. In Chinese culture it is considered a strong antiseptic, so dishes made from this material are highly valued there.
• Suitable for construction and finishing works. Cladding of monuments, interior decoration of residences, palaces and temples. The unique pattern and high strength of the material explain its use for these purposes.
• Stone - therapy. The healing properties of jade allow it to have a beneficial effect on human health. It is used in saunas, in the form of heaters made from it. They retain heat for a long time and are able to relieve migraines and lower blood pressure.
• Jewelry Art. They are framed in precious metals and serve as an elegant decoration for their owners. Frequently used processing methods are plates and cabochons.

Interesting fact! In ancient China, when a commoner addressed the emperor, he had to apply a jade plate to his lips. It was believed that if he did not do this, he would offend His Majesty with his breath of a mere mortal.

Jade colors

The color palette of jade is very diverse - from black to white due to the presence of various impurities. The most common jade is green and its shades: marsh, grassy, ​​light green, emerald and yellow-green. Red and blue jade is very rare. The yellow-brown-green variety with a “cat’s eye” effect is also considered unique.

Interesting facts about jade

• Until the mid-19th century, jade and jade were considered one mineral and were called jade.
• Jade is the national symbol of China, the “stone of life.” It was valued even higher than gold and silver, as the Chinese believed in its powerful magical properties. There was even a saying that “gold has a price, but jade is priceless.” According to archaeological data, the Chinese began using jade about 7000-8000 years ago. Weapons and ritual things were created from it. Chinese philosophers said that jade has five virtues: soft shine - the personification of mercy, strength - moderation and justice, translucency - symbolized honesty, purity - wisdom, changeability - courage.