Jade/Jadeite

In the last issue, you learned that Jade is actually two stones, Nephrite and Jadeite. While it is true these are different stones, there are some similar geological characteristics and uses between them.

Both exhibit the same soft texture, with steel like strength. Both are aluminum silicates. Both are made up of intertwined crystals that have been smashed together under great pressures. Both were used extensively by our ancestors as tools and decorations. In some locations, the two minerals are found side by side. All these similarities led to centuries of confusion over Nephrite and Jadeite.

Unfortunately, before geology became a science, there was a great deal misinformation about gemstones and crystals. Many green gemstones were immediately classified as Emeralds, even though they were actually Peridot, Jasper, Moldavite and Jade. The Emerald Buddha in Wat Phra Kaeo in Bangkok, in reality, is constructed of a beautiful Imperial Jadeite. Which by coincidence contains the same traces of chromium that give Emerald its green.
Today, geologists classify Nephrite Jades in the amphibole mineral group and Jadeite is considered a pyroxene. While Jadeite begins as a aluminum silicate, like Nephrite; unlike Nephrite it also contains traces of lime, soda and potash. Sometimes, though, not often, Jadeite will grow in long prismatic crystals. Nephrite never crystalizes.

Jadeite occurs in a wider range of colors than Nephrite. Lavenders, rosy reds, white and a full cast of greens are fairly common in Jadeite. The rarest are the Imperial Jades that contain traces of chromium. Some white specimens are occasionally zoned with this special Jadeite.
Small deposits of the stone can be found around the world. Near Lake Geneva in Switzerland, Jadeite is found not far from deposits of Nephrite. Jadeite has been found by itself in other areas of the Swiss Alps, rounded pebbles are often picked up along Lake Neuchatel. In Eastern Turkestan, Jadeite and Nephrite deposits have been discovered interwoven together.

The highest quality stones are found in Mexico, throughout South America and in Burma. Huge boulders of Jadeite are just lifted out of the Uru River in Burma. Even after centuries of mining, the supply there seems inexhaustible. Red Jadeite, a very rare and highly sought after stone, only occurs in this region. Jadeite buried in thick layers of iron rich red clay has absorbed the iron and color from the surrounding soil, creating an extremely unusual stone.

Purchasing Jadeite is a tricky business. Jade dealers have to bid on the giant boulders, almost sight unseen. Normally, only a tiny window is carved into the stone, giving the buyer a very small glimpse into what they are getting. Not until they prepare the stone for market, will they really know what they have bought.

In the Western hemisphere Jadeite was a highly honored stone. Besides being worked into axes and other tools, it was also used for ceremonial masks, religious carvings and even collected as a tax.

The Olmecs, Mayans, Toltecs and Aztecs all left incredible artifacts carved from this stone. Right now, in Washington DC, The Museo de Arte de las Americas is featuring an exhibit called the Gold, Jade Forests. The exhibit includes 142 Precolumbian artifacts of Jade, Gold and more.

Jade has a rich spiritual history, however, none of the older records make any distinction between Jadeite and Nephrite. I have done my best to sort out the differences.

In the Americas, Jadeite was considered a stone of magic by the Mayans and Aztecs. It would bring the protection of the spirits when needed. The stone was also utilized in rituals to attract wealth and fortune. Jadeite statues of Mayan and Aztec Gods for abundance and protection were common.

Jadeite itself, has a very calming gentle nature. Green Jadeite vibrates in harmony with the Heart Chakra unlike any other stone. Giving you a pleasing sense of calm and acceptance.

Colors in the pink to lavenders are as effective as Rose Quartz in opening your heart and allowing you to express unconditional love. If you find you are distracted by the high vibrations of most Quartz, you may discover that Jadeite is more suited to you. You can use the white Jadeite as a substitute for clear or milky Quartz.

Around the office, you can use Jadeite to bring together diverse individuals and get them working towards a common goal. Utilize these same unifying energies to improve your relationships. I keep an Imperial Jadeite in my cash box when I travel with the ORE Store. So far, I am pleased with the results.

The darkest greens and black Jadeite (aka Chloromelanite) are excellent for opening the Third Eye and Crown Chakra. They help you see the unlimited love and gifting of the Universe, improve your intelligence and perception and aid you in making correct choices.

Men will definitely want to carry Jadeite for better health. It aids with muscle cramps, stabilizes muscle tissues and may be very effective at treating male reproductive disorders.

Use the stone to help broken bones or stitches mend. Jadeite's energies are wonderful for recreating bonds that have been broken, both physical and mental. Use it to relieve pain in your legs and hips.