Jade Healing Properties
Popular around the world and in many cultures, Jade has always been sacred in China, where it is called yu. The Western name, Jade, comes from the Spanish piedra de ijada, or stone of loins because it was believed to heal kidney problems. The emerald-green variety of Jadeite is known as Imperial Jade. Jade also comes in pink, lilac, lavender, brown, lime green, black and white. Most valued is the pink or lilac Jadeite.
Mystical Properties: Jade is universally thought to bring good fortune and longevity, especially by the Chinese culture.
This stone is considered important for gamblers, especially those favoring horse racing.
Jade is an important gemstone in subduing an overactive 2nd Chakra. Natural Healers use Jade to relieve grief and trauma, loneliness and improve sleep.
The Chinese superstitions and legends abound around Jade. Jade butterflies symbolize love to a bride on her wedding day, a phoenix is often given to young girls coming of age, whereas a jade padlock is given to children to protect them from all danger--basically locking them into life. The ancient Mexicans and Chinese both put a piece of Jade in the mouth of the dead. An especially tough stone, the clear sound of jade being struck is very beautiful. The Chinese thought it symbolized the five highest virtues: benignity, lucidity, resonance, immutability and purity.
Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest considered Jade a stone of wisdom, long life and luck as did the Chinese.
This stone is thought to vibrate with feminine energy. In China, this is referred to as yin.
The Maori's of New Zealand carved pictures of their ancestors from Jade, handing them down from generation to generation, believing that some portion of their ancestors spirits remained within the stones.
Jade is the state gem of Alaska.
Healing Properties: Often said to ensure a long, lucky life. Ancient Mexicans and Europeans both attributed the ability to cure kidney problems to this stone. It is sometimes said to help eye problems. An amulet is said to protect a woman in childbirth.
Scientific Properties: Jade can be one of two minerals, Jadeite (Sodium Aluminum Silicate) or Nephrite (Calcium Magnesium Iron Silicate). Tremolite is actually Nephrite in a less compacted form.
The Jadeite variety is generally considered rarer and more expensive, especially the naturally occurring lavender and emerald green jadeite.
The Nephrite variety usually appears more fibrous and is a deeper, richer green than its Jadeite counterpart. Found in China, Alaska. The Pacific Northwest Nephrite Jade is often called Canadian Nephrite Jade in the trade.
Hardness: 5 - 7 on the Moh's Hardness Scale