The stone jade is prized for its beauty and utility. The term is used to describe two types of stones: jadeitite and nephrite. Both of these stones share a lot of the same characteristics, such as hardness, color range, and carving ability. Jadeitite is the rarer of the two stones, and as a result, it is more expensive.
This stone has been found in various cultures throughout history, but it is perhaps best known as the stone of China. Jade has been used in China for nearly 7,000 years, in both decorative and practical carvings. It has been significant throughout China’s history, both to ordinary people and to various rulers.
The highly prized emerald-green jade was once thought to be moonlight in crystal form, according to legend. Jade became known as the Imperial stone after the Chinese dynastic system was established, and it was used to create incredibly ornate objects, including the iconic armor that some rulers were buried in. Only nephrite is found in China, but in the 19th century, jadeitite from nearby Burma was imported and became the preferred variety, known as Kingfisher jade.
Jade was also important in ancient Americas, where it was extremely rare and thus extremely valuable. Many ceremonial objects were made of stone quarried in present-day Guatemala, and it was also used to engrave hieroglyphs. Although no culture will ever be able to match the Chinese in terms of the complexity and beauty of their carvings, many of these Mesoamerican artifacts are truly magnificent.
Jade is regarded as a stone of good fortune and protection in many cultures around the world. Protector figurines and amulets made of it can be found in a variety of cultures. It was thought by the Egyptians to represent personal harmony, so they used it in their art.
Nephrite jade is made up of the mineral actinolite, which is high in magnesium and calcium. It’s quite hard, and it’s likely that many early cultures valued it so highly because it made an excellent material for making weapons and tools.
The value of jade varies greatly depending on regional preferences and the stone’s history. Different cultures have different tastes for jade, and the prices will reflect this. The most prized varieties in many Western countries, for example, are those with the brightest greens, especially those that appear almost emerald in color. In China, on the other hand, jade that is nearly white or has yellow tinges is extremely valuable.
When looking to buy jade, it’s crucial to make sure you’re getting exactly what you want. While the term can be used to refer to either nephrite or jadeitite, it is also commonly applied to serpentine, Vesuvianite, green quartz, carnelian, and other stones. Because of the variety of issues that must be considered, as well as the many different, lesser stones sold as jade, it is strongly advised that you buy it from a reputable dealer unless you are confident in your ability to appraise the stones yourself.