Jade: The term Jade was originally used to describe the ornamental stones that were being brought into Europe from Central America and China. In the late 1800's, it was discovered that the Jade was actually being used to describe two different stones, Jadeite and Nephrite, due to their close resemblance. Today, Jadeite is seen as the real Jade , fetching much higher prices than Nephrite due to its intense color and finer translucency.
Jade is known for its incredible strength, said to be greater than steel, and was used by many prehistoric cultures to make tools and weapons. Archeological digs have turned up many Chinese jade artifacts dating back 4000 to 6000 years ago in the early Neolithic Age. In time, more suitable materials were found for utilitarian objects, and Jade began being used for rituals and ornamental purposes.
For thousands of years and in numerous cultures, Jade has been seen as a symbol of love, chastity, virtue and status. In China, Jade is known as the royal gemstone, yu, which means precious. Considered the “stone of Heaven”, the written Chinese character for Jade represents heaven, earth and mankind and Jade is believed to act as a messenger between man and heaven.
Chinese tradition associated Jade with supernatural powers and it was thought that Jade ornaments would assist in repelling evil spirits. It was also believed to preserve the body after ones' death and a number of Jade objects have been found in tombs.
Noble attributes were given to Jade and Confucius was said to believe that Jade had 11 virtues that included fidelity, wisdom, sincerity, harmony and benevolence.
Due to the virtues that were placed upon Jade , it has long been closely associated with religion. In Buddhist teachings, the Pure Land was made of many precious stones including jade , gold, silver and agate. Prayer beads were carried to protect people from sickness and evil, as well as to act as an instrument to transport the wearers' prayers and beliefs to Buddha.
All across Mexico, Jade was seen as a sacred material of the highest qualities. A symbol of the heart and blood, Jade was a stone more prized than gold and was often used to worship gods.
In Central America, Jade was exquisitely carved into a variety of jewelry, statues and masks by the Mayan, Toltec and Olmec cultures. The Aztecs were said to impose a tax upon Jade that sadly led to the recycling of many ancient treasures.
Jade is extremely significant to the New Zealand Maori culture. Known as Pounamu or greenstone, it is valued for its spiritual qualities and beauty. Greenstone can be found carved into all types of Maori sacred symbols such as the Spiral or “Koru”, and the fishhook or “Hei Matua”.
Color: While green is the most common color of Jade is can also be found in black, brown, violet, reddish, yellow, and white, as well as the better known green.
Traditional Birthstone: N/A
Zodiac or Magical Birthstone: A universal stone that is excellent for all signs.
Signification: Jade is helpful in bringing about devotion to a purpose and in attaining goals. Carries the energies of self-reliance, resourcefulness and inner peace.
Jade is said to assist the wearer in courage, justice, forgiveness, humility, wealth, and long life. Believed to promote a healthy heart, immune system, nervous system, and to stimulate the kidneys. Jade has been used for centuries to help cure kidney stones.
Jade has been also been referred to as the “dream stone”. Placed under the pillow, it is said to help with dream work.