About
Jade is, actually, a generic term used for (1) Jadeite Jade and (2) Nephrite Jade. Both are actually metamorphic rocks made up of tiny interlocking mineral crystals which make both treasures exceptionally tough. The main difference between them is Jadeite Jade, with a Mohs Hardness of 6.5 to 7, is harder than Nephrite Jade (Mohs Hardness of 6.0 to 6.5).
Apart from it being harder, Jadeite comes in a wide range of attractive colours. Colours include many shades of green, yellow, and reddish orange, plus white, grey, black, brown, and lavender (often a light purple or light greyish violet colour). The coloration is often streaked or mottled, giving jadeite jade an interesting visual texture that carvers can use to create imaginative and intriguing effects. In terms of translucency, Jadeite ranges from transparent to opaque.
Nephrite is also available in a few colours, such as light to dark green, yellow, brown, black, grey, or white. However, the colours tend to be more muted than Jadeite; and are often mottled or streaked. In terms of translucency, Nephrite ranges from translucent to opaque.
Types : | Jadeite | Nephrite |
Chemistry : | NaAlSi2O6 | Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2 |
Colour : | Green, yellow, and reddish orange, white, grey, black, brown, and lavender | Green, yellow, brown, black, grey, or white |
Appearance : | Translucent to opaque | Creamy, somewhat soapy feel |
Refractive Index : | 1.66 to 1.68 | 1.606 to 1.632 |
Birefringence : | Usually not detectable | Usually not detectable |
Specific Gravity : | 3.34 | 2.95 |
Moh Hardness : | 6.5 to 7.0 | 6.0 to 6.5 |
Energy
Jade is a symbol of purity and serenity; and, in Asia, signifies wisdom gathered in tranquillity. It is a protective stone which keeps wearer from harm and brings harmony; and is believed to attract good luck and friendship.
Psychologically
Jade helps in stabilising the personality and integrating the mind with the body. Hence, helps in promoting self-sufficiency.
Mentally
Jade releases negative thoughts and soothes the mind. It also helps to stimulate ideas and makes tasks seem less complex so that one can act upon them immediately.
Emotionally
Jade is said to bring insightful dreams by placing on the forehead. It also aids in emotional release, in particular irritability.
Spiritually
The treasure encourages you to become who you really are.
Energy based on Specific Colours
Blue/Blue-Green : brings inner serenity and patience; and is helpful for people who feel overwhelmed by situations beyond their control.
Brown : strongly grounding. Brings comfort and reliability. Helps in adjusting to a new environment.
Green : calms the nervous system and channels passion in constructive ways.
Lavender : alleviates emotional hurt and trauma and gives inner peace.
Orange : energetic and quietly stimulating, brings joy and teaches interconnectedness of all beings
Red : most passionate and stimulating, it is associated with love and helps in letting off anger by accessing and releasing the tension in a constructive manner.
White : filters distractions, emphasize on best possible result; and helps in decision-making by pulling relevant information.
Yellow : energetic and stimulating with a mellowness, brings joy and happiness; and teach interconnectedness of all beings.
How to Cleanse Jade?
To maintain optimal energy for your jade pieces, it is advisable to run them under tap water to clear away negativities around it after each wear. Thereafter, use a clean, soft cloth to tap away excess water.
If you wear them frequently, you may use sage and/or natural incense to smoke cleanse them. *Note that incense used must be made from natural material with no chemical ingredients for smoke cleansing method to work.
How to Store Jade?
With a Mohs Hardness of 6.5 to 7.0, Jade is relatively hard but is still prone to scratch when in contact with harder treasures like diamond, ruby and sapphire. Therefore, it is best to separate your jade pieces and place them in a separate pouch, compartment or in a jewellery box.
Also, keep it away from children and places prone to accidental drops.
Take Note!
Do not clean jade with jewellery or household cleaners because such cleaners usually contain strong chemicals that might ruin the jade.
Kindly remove your jewellery before going to the pool or dipping into hot tub, because chlorine can also damage the stone.
Light contact with most daily chemicals (such as soap, lotions, perfumes, and so on) will not permanently damage jade, but jade's surface lustre will be lost over time. Thus, we advise minimal exposure to those chemicals.
Exposure to high heat should also be avoided as high temperature may alter the chemical structure of jade.