JADEITE - the imperial stone or a successful investment

Historical tales

Here we will try to tell how jadeite came to Europe, why in China it was (and is) valued along with the most expensive gems.

The Great and Terrible Conquest

People always want money. And more. Therefore, at the end of the 15th century, the king and queen of Spain decided that in India (according to rumors) precious stones and gold were practically lying on the ground. So let a couple of Spanish ships under the command of Columbus sail to a rich country and bring back that very gold and jewelry that is always in short supply.

The boats sailed and got lost along the way. Geographic maps were bad back then. Instead of Asia, we ended up in America, which no one had heard of at that time. But they stubbornly believed that they had reached Asia. Thus began the Conquest.

The locals greeted the Spaniards as dear guests. They gave us food and drink and showed us their cities and temples.

It was then that the Spaniards realized that they had come to the right place (in the sense that they found what they were going for).

I don’t want to say what the soldiers did to the aborigines. And most importantly, they robbed churches, dragging away everything that was not nailed down. Gold, amulets, Indian relics - everything was neatly stacked in the holds of the pot-bellied ships.

Among this stuff there were objects made of stone - greenish, white, pink. The stones had the property of relieving lower back pain, and the Spaniards called them piedra de ijada - “side stone”.

Then jadeite came to Europe.

The history of the mineral in the New World (Mesoamerica) is much longer. The stone was known to the Mayan, Aztec, and other aborigines from the 8th-4th centuries BC. This is confirmed by archaeologists who come across items made from jadeite. Ritual masks and jewelry were made from it. And also knives used by priests in ritual sacrifices.

Interesting: there are archaeological finds where jadeite teeth are inserted into skulls instead of ordinary, “native” teeth. It was probably prestigious back then.

Now about China. It is incorrect to believe that jadeite and jade have been held in special esteem in the Celestial Empire since time immemorial. At first it was jade.

But the artisans who processed the stone and made precious trinkets from it had trained eyes and hands. It was the masters who noticed that the jade obtained from Burma is not always the same. Some stones were denser and heavier. Treated, they shone better. These stones were jadeites.

But scientists determined that jade and jadeite are different gems only in the middle of the 19th century.

But even a description of the minerals will not help to understand what the mysterious Chinese soul found in jadeite.

History and deposits of jadeite

Natural jadeite.
Photo: udsu.ru Jadeite has been valued by a variety of peoples since ancient times. For the Chinese, this stone is sacred. The Mayan Indians, as well as the Aztecs, valued jadeite above all metals and stones. The main confirmation of the significance and value of jadeite is that archaeologists still find a huge amount of a wide variety of jewelry and things made or decorated with jadeite. It was thanks to the peoples of America that this stone appeared in Europe and immediately became popular among jewelers.

Apart from this, the stone is well known in India. Its properties were highly valued, for this reason it was constantly used as the main material for decorating something or making various crafts. And this is not surprising, because it has excellent decorative qualities, including due to the fact that it has a high level of density.

The main deposits of jadeite are concentrated in upper Myanmar, China, Japan, Guatemala, Mexico, the USA and Kazakhstan. The largest Russian field is located between the Yenisei and Kantegir rivers.

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Not only jadeite

Many people confuse jade, jadeite and nephrite. The color, shades and many physical characteristics of the stones are very similar. Difference in composition, melting point, viscosity.

The British called the mineral stone ax - stone for an axe . During the excavations, archaeologists of Foggy Albion found many axes made of this durable stone (Stone Age products).

In Thailand, in a specially built temple there is an “emerald Buddha”. This is a small statue carved from a single green piece of stone. A mineralogist will immediately say that this is not an emerald, but jadeite or jade... This requires special research. But, of course, no one will allow them to be done. After all, this is the mascot of Thailand.

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In India and Nepal, jadeite is believed to contain divine essence.

By the way, in the Kremlin Diamond Fund (the main treasury of Russia) there is not a single piece of jewelry with jadeite.

China is not Europe!

The preferences of the Chinese in the field of jewelry are not clear to Europeans.

Polite Chinese will agree that the four “kings of the market” are diamond, sapphire, ruby ​​and emerald. However, the true king of the Chinese market has become jadeite (which not everyone in Europe has heard of). Sales of the gem are many times higher than the demand for the “European kings of gems.”

What diamonds, what are you talking about! Jadeite is the best investment, and jewelry with jadeite (no matter whether it is set in gold or silver) will be the best gift for any resident of the Middle Kingdom.

Why a rich Chinese would pay several million dollars for a jadeite bracelet, we will never understand...

Jade has been the main gemstone in China for thousands of years. For centuries, the Chinese have adored jade. It is unclear why this stone fascinated them. But they attributed a lot of magical and healing qualities to the gem.

Jadeite was made the imperial stone by Empress Ci-Xi (Qin Dynasty). She was introduced to jadeite products in the 18th century (these were Burmese gems). Tsy-Xi simply fell in love with the stone. And what the emperor loves, he loves to know.

For the Chinese, jadeite means wisdom and courage, justice and the ability to compassion.

Properties of jadeite

If you decide to buy a product with jadeite as a gift for someone, then you should know what significance it has in the field of alternative medicine and esotericism.

In magic, the stone is valued for being considered the personification of all the best that a person’s character can be endowed with. With its help, the owner reveals new facets of his inner self, becomes more merciful, kind, courageous and brave. The gem also acts as a protector: it protects against damage and the evil eye, gossip and any other negative influence from the outside. That is why a souvenir or decoration with a mineral is suitable for small children.

As for its medicinal properties, jadeite has a positive effect primarily on the kidneys, spine, circulatory and nervous systems.

What types of jadeite are there?

There are several varieties of jadeite. Briefly about each:

1. Green jadeite. A translucent, fine-grained (this is important!) stone of bright green color is the object of desire of every Chinese. Even pragmatic Europe calls these stones imperials. And in Asia, jadeite of excellent quality is a good investment. The most expensive imperial is Old mine. It is pure green in color and has good transparency. These are rare and are sold only at eastern auctions. Another variety is “flower green.” It differs from Old mine in its uneven coloring: specks, small transitions into halftones, dots of “alien” color.
2. White jadeite. This color is preferred by young Chinese. It costs less than Imperial. According to the degree of transparency, it can be “glass”, “sticky rice”, “ice”, “white beans”. The more transparent the white jadeite, the more expensive it is.
3. Lavender. Lilac or lavender colored stones are not uncommon. The color is romantic, the color of youth and freshness. But the investment attractiveness is lower than that of the imperial. This type of gem is divided into several varieties: “eggplant”, similar in color to a ripe vegetable; there is a pink-purple variety; “Purple beans” have a blue-purple color.
4. Blue jadeite. It's not pure blue, with a slight hint of lavender.
5. Black jadeite. It's actually not black, but a very dark green, but it's better not to take risks. After all, in China, black means failure and sadness. Therefore, lovers of imperial luxury did not buy an innocent gem. The situation has changed radically (it is not clear why). Now wearing jewelry with jadeite on your right hand means insuring yourself against bad luck and failure.
6. Yellow (and red) stones are not very popular. But people who have financial problems buy yellow amulets (gold is yellow). And red ones bring good luck and good health. Almost everyone can afford jewelry made from these gems. Collectors love the yellow stone, and even divide it into shades. These are honey, lemon, gold, amber, mustard.

Amulet figures are carved from inexpensive varieties of stone to protect the home.

Colors and varieties of jadeite

Gems of different colors and shades are found in nature. Possible colors include blue, red, purple, yellow. Most often, stones found are green and its tones. This fact is explained by the high content of chromium and aluminum in the composition of the gem. To date, experts have identified several varieties of jadeite depending on the shade:

1. Imperial. The most expensive and valuable category. In appearance it has many features in common with emerald. It has a bright, rich green color. It can be transparent, translucent and translucent. It is in great demand among jewelers. The cost of individual copies is not inferior to emeralds.
2. Utility. The most budget-friendly type of gem. The mineral has a matte sheen, is opaque and has a black or bright green tint.
3. Chloromelanite. The type of mineral has a characteristic black or dark green color scheme.
4. Albit. A rare variety, it stands out with dark inclusions on a green background.
5. Commercial. These minerals are often used for interior design and making souvenirs. The appearance is distinguished by light or transparent inclusions on a green background.

Mining locations

The most beautiful jadeites are mined in Burma.

The largest deposits of the gem are located in Myanmar and Guatemala, Mexico and China.

Jadeite deposits have not been developed in Russia for a long time. But they exist. The Khakass field is considered the largest in our country. In the vast expanses of Siberia, in the tributaries of the Kantegir River, there is the country’s jadeite treasury. The stone is pure white or light gray, very transparent. Often has a bluish or greenish tint.

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Stones of this type are considered “young” jadeite. Currently, the Chinese (experts and connoisseurs, we know this) recognize Khakass jadeite as second in the world after Burmese.

The Chinese were not lucky with Ural gems. At the end of the last century, they bought a large batch of stones from the Pusier deposit. The stone looked like jewelry jadeite. However, it turned out that all the stones were covered with microcracks and were not suitable for jewelry. Mining was also carried out using blasting operations - this improved the quality of the stone.

How to distinguish natural stone from fake?

Before buying a natural stone, sometimes you have to deal with some doubts regarding the originality of the product. In order not to be disappointed in the purchased jewelry, step-by-step instructions are offered on how to distinguish a real thing from a fake.

• Find out more information about jadeite, study its appearance, manufacturers. Deposits of expensive samples are located in Burma.
• Familiarize yourself with the types of synthetic imitations. Serpentine, aventurine quartz or chrysoprase are sometimes passed off as jadeite.
• View in bright light or with a magnifying device. Graininess, inclusions, and fibrous weaves indicate that the stone is of natural origin.
• A high-density gem is somewhat heavier than it looks. By tapping the fragments against each other, you can determine the deep, resonant sound of natural stone.
• The natural crystal, remaining in the palm, remains cold, creating a feeling of soft and slightly soapy material.

Also read: Topaz – a mineral of wisdom and tranquility

Important! Jadeite is a hard mineral that can leave a mark on a metal surface.

Bath pleasures

It is now fashionable to use crushed or rolled minerals in a bathhouse. This is one of the rare cases when fashion unconditionally benefits a person.

The jadeite stone, due to its inherent qualities, expands and contracts evenly when the temperature changes. No cracks form on the stones.

Jadeite is healthier for a bath than ordinary stones. When heated, it ionizes the air, improves the condition of people with vegetative-vascular dystonia, and tones.

Without any dubious (for many) information from esotericists, jadeite normalizes blood pressure, and with regular use of “bath procedures” it helps treat the bronchi, lungs and kidneys. This was revealed by research from the Research Institute of Balneology and Physiotherapy.

Fashion and prestige are already forcing Russian bath attendants to use jadeite. In addition, polished stone looks very nice on the heater.

Saunas with sauna stones have existed abroad for a long time. And this pleasure is not cheap.

Interesting: warming bones in such a sauna in a prestigious area of ​​New York costs 100 US dollars per hour.

Properties and applications of jadeite

Due to its appearance and physicochemical properties, jadeite is used in areas such as:

• jewelry making;
• finishing facilities;
• making vases, souvenirs;
• decorating boxes;
• purification of water from heavy metals.

Physicochemical characteristics

The formula of jadeite is NaAl[Si2O6], it is an alkaline pyroxene, a compound of silicon oxide with sodium and aluminum. Additionally, the composition may include:

• manganese;
• silver;
• copper;
• calcium;
• zinc;
• iron.

The more chromium in the composition, the greener the stone. Iron gives the yellow tint.

Properties of jadeite:

• density 3.25–3.36 g/m2;
• glass luster;
• hardness – 6.5–7 points out of 10;
• the fracture is viscous, splintered;
• line color is white.

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Publication from FINISHING AND COMPLETING BATHS (@bankoff_kzn) July 19, 2019 at 6:16 PDT

Medicinal properties

The stone began to be actively used by healers of Ancient China 5000 years ago. It is believed that it can help with the following pathologies:

• myopia;
• kidney diseases;
• high blood pressure;
• reduced immunity;
• chronic fatigue syndrome;
• impotence;
• depression.

Treatment with stone alone is extremely controversial in terms of obtaining a positive result. It makes more sense to combine lithotherapy with modern medicine.

How to heal with the help of stones, watch the recording of the webinar on lithotherapy:

Jadeite for baths

The stone is popular in the construction of baths and saunas; it is placed in the oven. When heated, the mineral releases metasilicic acid, silver, copper, zinc, which enter the body through the skin and breath. This improves metabolism, tones, gives vigor, and has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system.

The best way to supply the air with useful substances is crushed or diked jadeite. Polished is used less often - it releases fewer chemical compounds.

Jadeite tiles for wall decoration in bathhouses are gaining popularity, which is due to its qualities:

• good heat dissipation;
• heat resistance;
• high strength;
• environmental cleanliness;
• ability to disinfect water.

The following recommendations will help you choose the right jadeite for a bath:

• calculation of the required material - 9 kg per 1 m2 of bath space;
• when stones hit each other, the sound should not be dull;
• specimens with a layered structure cannot be used;
• if the oven is electric, then the size of the stones should not exceed 6 cm.

To use in a bath or sauna, you will need stones of three sizes, as well as a certain installation order:

• 9–13 cm – on the grate, occupying 1/3 of the total;
• 7–9 cm – located in the middle;
• 5–6 cm – top layer.

Approximate prices for jadeite for baths and saunas:

• medium and finely chopped – 170–200 rubles per 1 kg;
• medium or small boned - 220–250 rubles per 1 kg.

A lower price indicates a fake or low quality material.

Also watch a video review from a specialist in bath stones:

Magic properties

According to magicians, jadeite helps cleanse space from negative energy. Being indoors, the stone relieves a tense situation and puts you in a peaceful mood. Jadeite also has a positive effect on the owner:

• enhances the sense of justice;
• improves relationships between different generations;
• helps to find a common language with others;
• supports the fidelity of spouses in marriage;
• protects from unpleasant situations;
• increases self-esteem;
• develops a sense of harmony;
• reduces feelings of jealousy;
• softens the manifestation of maximalism in adolescents as they grow older.

As a talisman, the stone is suitable for lawyers, judges, prosecutors, teenagers, as well as people with low self-esteem. It can be worn as an amulet by military personnel, sailors, and police officers.

Suitable by zodiac sign and name

The mineral is not suitable for everyone - it affects the owner depending on the zodiac sign:

• Libra and Leo are considered the best hosts for it - the gem reduces negative emotions and gives a positive outlook on the world;
• Virgos will feel the attention of the opposite sex, find a soul mate, and find family happiness;
• for Taurus, the mineral will become a symbol of change for the better - it will give strength, energy, and will have a positive effect on health;
• will protect Gemini from the bad influence of others;
• Sagittarius will be given family happiness and success in all endeavors;
• Scorpios should not wear the stone every day - it can make them selfish; it can be worn 2-3 times a month in situations where self-confidence is needed;
• It will show Aries where to direct their energy and reduce irritability;
• is not suitable for Cancers, Aquarius, Capricorns, Scorpios - the stone will make them weak-willed, lose interest in life, and lead them into apathy and depression.

Jadeite is best suited for people with names:

• Daria;
• Elena;
• Evgenia;
• Mayan;
• Rimma;
• Julia;
• Denis;
• Konstantin;
• Nikolai;
• Taras.

To continue the topic, watch the video:

Ancient and modern magic of jadeite

In China, they believe that the main meaning of a gem for a person is to help in achieving enlightenment. Everyone has heard about Chinese spiritual practices, and in all of them, enlightenment of the spirit is considered the highest level.

The magic of the gem is sensitive to the well-being and health of the owner. Everything is fine with him - the decoration is bright and shiny. Changes in color and fading of the stone can indicate problems in life and health.

The main property of the stone is considered to be its “selflessness”. He will give his life for the owner. The Chinese firmly believe that if a bracelet or ring breaks, it means that they “gave their life” so that their owner could continue to live.

There are many myths about such cases in China. The guy completely smashed the car, the bracelet on his hand burst in half, but there was not a scratch on the owner. The girl was sick from birth, and she was also ugly. They gave her a jadeite bracelet, the girl recovered and got a good husband. And getting prettier if you have money and plastic surgeons is not a problem at all.

The pleasant magical properties of jadeite include the ability to subdue impulses of human anger and aggression, to extinguish disputes and scandals.

Magic properties

You may not believe in omens and be skeptical of supernatural phenomena, but scientists are already recognizing the influence of precious stones on people. They associate this influence with atomic particles, with a special composition and individual radiation.

Jadeite was considered a sacred stone by the Chinese and Indians, as they noticed its strong influence on the life of the owner. Soft greenish jadeite is highly valued in Japan (and among all Buddhists), as it is believed to bring prosperity to the home.

The value of jadeite for humans lies in its protective abilities. The magical properties of this mineral include:

• Protection from any kind of negative energy, from bad events, liars, slanderers, scammers, thieves.
• Protecting the hearth, strengthening family relationships, getting rid of unreasonable jealousy and mistrust, helping to overcome periods of crisis, and establishing a close connection between parents and children.

The help of the jadeite talisman is especially evident in the following:

• Its owner becomes brave, assertive, fair, strong-willed, and believes in his own strength.
• A person finds harmony, kindness, worries leave him, he becomes independent, having his own opinion.
• During a business transaction, a jadeite talisman held in the hand will lead to success and help avoid deception.

Treat yourself like the emperors of China

The use of the gem is not limited to bath pleasures and jewelry making.

• As in ancient times, jadeite is used for any kidney ailments.
• Emperors of the Celestial Empire used the gem in the treatment of infertility to overcome sexual weakness.
• Lithotherapists are confident that the healing stone enhances the effect of medications.
• Jadeite beads are recommended to be worn for diseases of the throat and lungs. Necklaces and bracelets - for cardiovascular diseases.
• The beneficial properties (they were noted by healers in ancient times and confirmed by lithotherapists today) include the ability of the stone to give self-confidence and relieve nervous tension.
• Lithotherapists perform massage with jadeite boulders. This procedure relieves muscle pain and banishes fatigue.

Medicinal properties

Jadeite is credited with many healing qualities, which is of great importance for humans. Since ancient times, recipes for cocktails and mixtures have been preserved, acting as general strengthening and tonic agents, and also used in the complex therapy of various diseases.

Jadeite was ground to a fine powder and mixed with fruit juice. The infusion was given to asthmatics, diabetics and other patients for a long time.

Medicinal properties of jadeite:

• relieves renal colic;
• depending on the color scheme, it cures the spleen, liver, urolithiasis or vascular pathologies;
• improves blood composition;
• helps with diseases of the urinary tract and bronchopulmonary apparatus;
• relieves stress;
• increases potency;
• increases libido in women;
• helps cope with PMS;
• normalizes and stabilizes blood pressure;
• increases muscle tone.

Today, stone massage or stone therapy is popular. Jadeite is often used for the procedure. Heated medium-sized stones are placed along the spinal column or on the feet and palms.

Wearing jadeite bracelets remains relevant. Even Chinese healers considered them the best preventive remedy for many diseases. For physiotherapeutic treatment, the following properties of the stone are important: air ionization, a source of infrared radiation, and saturation of water with metasilicon acid.

To whom will the stars give the help of jadeite?

In astrology there are several opinions on this matter. But Eastern and European astrology “has differences on this issue.” In the sense that what is good for the Chinese will not help the Russian...

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But there are still coincidences. For Leos, for example, jadeite is suitable. The stone will help extinguish the fire in the blood and nature of Levushka. The same applies to Aries.

Jadeite is ideal for the horoscope of Libra and Virgo.

But Scorpios and Cancers will have to try to find a “common language” with the stone, otherwise they will face apathy and a state of “not giving a damn about anything.” Pisces are also better off choosing jewelry with other gems.

Jewelry with jadeite

Capricorns' compatibility with jadeite is minimal. Esotericists are sure that the stone will take practical Capricorns into the world of dreams and even make them become stupid.

For other signs of the Zodiac, the gem is neutral.

Caring for your jewelry

Jadeite is one of the most durable (not to be confused with hardness) gems in the world.

Caring for a stone is not difficult if you are sure of its origin. And you know that he was not ennobled (or there were “cosmetic” interventions).

Untreated gemstones can be cleaned with ultrasound and steam.

Ring with jadeite stone

If you know that the pebble has been “painted”, then don’t risk it. Wash the contaminated stone with soapy water and rinse with clean water.

It is better to store jewelry in cases, boxes or bags made of thick soft fabric. You should not leave gem products in sunlight.

Scope of application

Use depends on the variety. This natural stone is used for medicinal and magical purposes. Jewelry is made from imperial, commercial and utility - rings, beads, bracelets, pendants, cufflinks, brooches, earrings.

For these purposes, green jadeite is most often used, but yellow, white and other decorations can be found. Also on sale are jadeite boxes, cups, vases, and writing instruments.

Volumetric blocks are often of slightly poorer quality, so they are used for the construction of baths and saunas. Chemical inertness and the absence of exchange reactions with the aqueous environment, even at elevated temperatures, make it possible to make the inside of sauna stoves intended for heating air from the mineral. The properties of stone made it an ideal material for bathhouse construction.

When purchasing a mineral, it is necessary to take into account that it can be tumbled or crushed. Polished jadeite is smooth, similar to river pebbles. Increased decorativeness increases the cost of the material. Used for tiling work in bathhouses.

Crushed jadeite with rounded edges gives a large surface area, which improves vaporization. This type is laid in the lower and middle parts of the structure.

Uncalibrated flat jadeite is also available for sale. This type of material is used as a bathing stone for electric heaters, lining of stoves and walls in steam rooms, and in landscape design.

The material has all the properties characteristic of this mineral.

It may not be suitable for facing work, so it is more often used as a split variety.

Ennoblement, imitation - what's the difference?

Not all stones are perfect. Appearance does not always satisfy jewelers. But don’t throw away the good stuff.

In such cases, jadeites ennoble and improve their appearance:

1. Coating the stone with wax. This gives a matte shine. The most harmless ennoblement.
2. Bleaching. If there are stains on the stone (usually brown or yellow), then the gem is soaked in hot acid. Then (at the same time) the cracks in the stone are filled with polymer. Stones treated in this way quickly fade and become brittle. Such gems are inexpensive.
3. Coloring. White and faded (lightly colored) specimens are most often painted. This way you can achieve a lavender or green tint - and sell the stone at a higher price. You can also paint jadeite in a color that nature did not think of painting the stone with. But any of these stones should cost less than untreated ones.
4. Heat. Most often it affects brown and yellow stones. Heat is used to lighten the gem - or give it a reddish tint.
5. Thin film coating. A thin polymer coating is applied to the surface of the mineral. Films visually improve transparency and shine, and hide flaws in the stone. Jadeite “in film” looks rich, but is cheap. Only a gemologist can see and recognize the film.

There are plenty of outright fakes on the jadeite market, but not enough natural ones. Under the guise of a gem they can sell:

• amazonite;
• green aventurine;
• chrysocolla;
• hydrogrossular;
• chrysoprase;
• tinted quartz.

Painted glass and plastics are also sold under the guise of jadeite.