All about jadeite stone

Jadeite is very popular in many countries and cultures around the world. Outwardly, it looks like jade, the difference between them lies in the chemical composition, therefore jadeite is a separate breed. There are not many deposits of this mineral in the world - it is considered rare and especially valuable.

There is no consensus among historians about the origin of the name of this stone; only separate versions have been expressed. Some argue that the word "jade" is a derivative of the Spanish expression piedro de jade, which means "kidney stone". Most likely, such associations are associated with the fact that the stone rolled in rivers resembles a kidney in its shape, and this is another similarity of the mineral with jade, the name of which in translation from Greek means "kidney".

In English, this mineral is called axestone - this translates as "stone of axes". This definition fully corresponds to all the properties of stone - it is 4 times harder than granite.

Scientists have found that the stone was used by people back in the Neolithic era, and the popularity of such tools did not diminish at all even after mankind acquired the skills of metal processing. Over time, tools made of jadeite moved from the category of everyday products to the category of ritual items, and they even began to attribute magical properties to them.

With the development of culture and art, figurines and jewelry began to be made from jadeite. For example, in China, similar items were found, the age of which is 4-6 millennia - in this country the stone was considered a symbol of state power and the power of the imperial family. For a long time, money of the highest dignity was made from it.

In other countries, jadeite was also considered one of the most important and expensive stones. So, the Aztecs valued him much more expensive than any other jewelry and gems. A legend has reached our times that when Cortez left Mexico, taking away all the gold found there, the ruler of Montezuma rejoiced at the thought that the conquerors did not know about the jadeite deposits.

By its structure, jadeite belongs to minerals, it is a silicate with impurities of sodium, manganese, potassium, and magnesium. The stone belongs to the same category of rocks as asbestos, but it is much more hard - it is so strong that even a sledgehammer cannot split it.

The chemical composition of this mineral is unique - it is known that it contains about 60 chemical elements, and among the main compounds are:

• silicon dioxide - 55-60%;
• aluminum oxide - 15-30%;
• sodium oxide - 10-16%;
• iron oxides - 0-6%;
• magnesium oxide - 0.5-8%;
• calcium oxide - 0.5-12%.

Depending on the percentage of elements, the shade of the stone also varies.

The description of the physical properties of jadeite is as follows:

• structure - granular:
• high viscosity;
• hardness - 6-7;
• fracture - cryptocrystalline;
• refractive index - about 1.6;
• variance - no;
• optical effect - no;
• luminescence - no;
• distinct line of absorption;
• magnetic properties - no;
• the degree of transparency is variable;
• shine - greasy, glassy.

In nature, green, pink, purple, lilac, blue, and other types of minerals are found.

There are several main varieties of the mineral.

• Imperial - this is jadeite of rich green hue, fine-grained structure. The cost of such jadeite is comparable to the cost of diamonds, and sometimes it is even more expensive. For example, in 1980, one of the gems of this type was sold for $ 2 million.

• Utilities - a relatively inexpensive type of gem, usually it is heterogeneous in its composition, has an opaque blue tint. There are also matte and black glossy stones - they are usually used as ornamental material.

• Commercial - these are green jadeites with low transparency. They are mainly used in decoration, but some stones have found use in jewelry making.

• Chloromelanite - it is a mineral of dark green or gray color, which is due to the presence of impurities of aluminum, iron and sodium sulfate.

• Albite - differs from all other types of jadeite in its bright green tint and the presence of internal embossing, veins and small dots.

The most expensive are transparent green stones, much lower are estimated:

• blue;
• yellow;
• lemon;
• lilac;
• violet;
• yellow;
• red.

It should be noted that jadeite is quite often counterfeited, it is rather difficult to distinguish a fake, but it is possible. For a mineral, stones such as prehnite, chrysoprase, aventurine quartz and some others are often given out.

In addition, a real stone is usually heavier than it looks - this is due to its increased density. TAlso, be aware that jadeite is quite hard and can easily scratch glass and some other types of surfaces.

The mystery of the origin of this stone has been unraveled quite recently. Geologists have found that a precious gem is formed in the depths of the mountains, the main condition for its formation is sub-zero temperatures, as well as increased pressure. Stone formation is a multi-stage phenomenon.

The zones of bedrock deposits of stone also remain not fully explored - all the deposits developed today are only secondary deposits. Their number is small - no more than a dozen. The mineral is mined in China, Mexico, Japan, Burma, as well as in America and Indonesia. In Russia, deposits are located in the Far East, the south of the Krasnodar Territory, in Khakassia and some circumpolar regions.

The gem of high quality comes to the market only from Burma, in a small amount green jadeite was found in Japan, but it does not leave this country.

Gems are known for their beneficial medicinal and magical properties, and jadeite is no exception. This stone is credited with the ability to stabilize energy, normalize the emotional background and regulate blood pressure.

Since ancient times, jadeite has found its use for getting rid of renal pathologies - it heals them on its own, and also enhances the healing effect of drugs. Gem beads are known to improve the condition of hypertension.

It is believed that rings with this stone have a beneficial effect on the organs of vision, contribute to the treatment of myopia and relieve eye strain. However, it should be borne in mind that it is possible to achieve a therapeutic effect only if you carry the mineral with you at all times. According to ancient Chinese medicine, the energetic vibrations of jadeite have a powerful effect on every cell of the human body, thereby promoting rejuvenation, increase internal strength, and also normalize all internal organs and tissues.

Ancient physicians used jadeite powder extensively. So, mixing it with onion juice, they successfully treated asthma and diabetes, and in combination with rice and morning dew, they used it to strengthen the musculoskeletal system - this treatment made the body flexible, strong and enduring. The strangers used the drink in order not to suffer from thirst and hunger.

The magical value of this stone deserves no less attention, here are just some of its properties.

• Like jade, green-tinted jadeite is able to protect against troubles and major troubles.
• The Heavenly Stone brings harmony and emotional well-being to a person's life.
• When worn by unbalanced and hot-tempered people, it helps to reduce anger and external aggression.
• For men and women with low self-esteem, the stone gives confidence in their abilities.
• In order to conclude a good deal, it is recommended to hold a piece of jadeite in your fist during negotiations.
• The talisman is able to protect against envious people and ill-wishers, protects against theft and the actions of fraudsters.
• The effect of jadeite on the relationship between parents and children is very beneficial - the mineral contributes to the establishment of trusting relationships, allows you to achieve mutual understanding and kindred love.
• Ancient people firmly believed that a mineral can stop rain or, conversely, cause it. Nowadays, the mineral has acquired the power of a talisman of productivity.
• Jadeite is known to remain faithful to its owner throughout its life. The mineral does its best to protect its owner, protects from troubles, shocks and actions of unkind people, brings family well-being and peace to relationships. Legends say that if strong aggression is directed at the owner of the stone, then jadeite takes on all the negative and splits. If this happens, you need to bury the mineral, not forgetting to say "thanks" to him in parting.

Jadeite is suitable for representatives of many signs zodiac.

• Lions it gives complacency and calmness, pacifies their hot-tempered nature, eliminates emotional stress, in addition, regulates blood pressure.

• Sagittarius the mineral brings family happiness. It is believed that if people born under this sign buy such a stone in the form of a statuette and put it in the most conspicuous place, then jadeite will protect all family members from the evil eye, and will also create a strong indestructible bond between them.

• Aries the gem helps to channel powerful energy in a peaceful direction, sets you in a positive way, helps to harmonize relations with parents and children.

• Virgo - this is a sign that loves nature, and under the auspices of jadeite, representatives of the sign will be able to feel complete unity with it, and will also successfully grow plants.

• scales they always feel the positive energy of jadeite, it directs them on the right path, makes them believe in their strength, gain faith and confidence in the coming day.

• Twinswearing the mineral will be more patient with the people around them, jadeite will save them from bad influences and avoid negative situations.

But this stone is not suitable for all signs of the zodiac. So, Capricorns should refrain from jadeite - only troubles await them, the stone impairs a person's mental abilities and reduces concentration.

People of these signs, who are in contact with jadeite, begin to fixate on their own opinion and cease to reckon with the opinions and feelings of others.

The properties of jadeite allow it to be widely used for the manufacture of talismans, amulets, but this is not the only field of application of the mineral. Due to the beauty of the stone, jewelers often use it when creating brooches, beads, rings, bracelets, as well as earrings and rings. Fashionable figurines, decorations for the aquarium, vases, caskets, and many other decorative items are cut from the polished gem. In oriental medicine, the mineral is used to heal ailments by applying the mineral to active points on the human body.

Jadeite is a well-known "bath stone" that has found wide application for filling stoves. In the process of evaporation, metasilicic acid and some other useful microelements begin to leave it. Through the respiratory system, they penetrate into the body and contribute to the healing of the whole organism.

So that the stone does not lose its beauty and transparency over time, it is necessary adhere to simple rules for caring for him.

• Jadeite should not be kept in a humid place, and storage in dusty conditions should also be avoided. Do not expose the stone to direct UV rays.

• Every six months, jadeite must be cleaned with soap and water, after cleaning, the stone must be wiped dry, any chemical agents are prohibited.

• Whenever possible, try to protect your stone from mechanical shock and damage.

Many beautiful legends and beliefs are associated with jadeite. So, according to the beliefs of the ancient Aztecs, the gods first created children from this stone, and only then they embodied them in the womb.

In China, jewelry made from this stone could only be afforded by the most high-ranking nobility. It is believed that this stone is a relative of all other precious stones in the world, symbolizing the most important human virtues: wisdom, courage, mercy, as well as modesty and justice.

In the East, they sacredly believe in the power of this stone. It is no coincidence that the best compliment that can only be given to a woman is "You are as beautiful as jadeite." Probably, there is no Chinese who would not try to save up money and purchase one of the jewelry with this stone, because for many millennia minerals have been a sign of the well-being, prosperity and high social status of their owners.

To make sure that jadeite is a really beautiful and interesting stone for creating jewelry and various figurines, consider the following photo selection.

You can learn more about this stone in the video below.