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Jade - Blends in Itself Best of Ancient and Modern Beliefs

The word Change has close affinity with the evolution of life. What exists as on now is termed as Present; this very same present becomes in a few days time past and in a few years time, ancient. It is precisely here that one should gauge the significance of Change and the beliefs, which spouts forth from it. The beliefs of ancient, which are good in nature and spirit, hold relevance for the present and future. Mind it, not all of these beliefs holds good, there will be some, which are discarded and for good. In the same way there are some beliefs, which transcend Father Time and holds good for all ages. The best of beliefs should be taken out and cultivated for all times to come. Be it ancient or modern. One particular object does the same with adroitness and that is a gemstone called Jade.

The name jade, sprung forth from the Spanish word - Piedra de Ijada that means “stone of the side". It possesses a reference to the long held belief that it would cure kidney ailments if it were held against the side of the body. It is termed as the colic stone, which refers to the great healing power of this gem.

The term Jade applies to more than one gemstone, and encompasses these types: Jadeite, Nephrite and Transvaal jade. Jadeite appears in many shades of green, colourless, oranges to brownish red, yellow, light to greyish blue, grey, pink, lilac and dark purple. Nephrite very similar in appearance to Jadeite Jade is also found in various shades of green, although darker. Other colours are grey, bluish grey and greyish white. Serpentine, another distinct mineral, also jade-like in appearance is often mistakenly called Jade, or Serpentine Jade and not as valuable.

History

This gemstone certainly has a rich and fine history, it synchronises with the glorious civilisation of the great Asian giant China. It has been treasured in China as the royal gemstone and that too for 5,000 years.

In Chinese ideology, the character for jade resembles a capital I with a line across the middle: the top represents the heavens, the bottom the earth, and the centre section, and mankind. The word VU is used in Chinese to call something precious, as in English we use gold. Jade was thought to preserve the body after death and can be found in emperors' tombs from thousands of years ago. One tomb contained an entire suit made out of jade, to assure the physical immortality of its owner.

In Central America, the Olmecs, the Mayans, the Toltecs all also treasured jade and used it for carvings and masks. The history of jade in Europe is not quite as distinguished. Although archaeologists have found prehistoric axes and blades carved from jade, most Europeans were unfamiliar with jade as a gemstone for jewellery use until the sixteenth century.

The other trivia associated with the gemstone are as follows:

• Jade when placed into the bath is said to exert a calming influence over the bather.
• Jade was once thought to have the ability to influence the weather when it was thrown with force into water.
• The Mayans wore jade amulets to protect against bladder and kidney problems. It was used by the ancient Greeks as a charm believed to prevent eye infection.
• The gemstone was a symbol of love and virtue as well as a status symbol for thousand of years.
• Jade was used in old China to prevent bodies rot in their grave, and the stone symbolised eternal life and happiness
• The Portuguese, who brought home jade pieces from their settlement in Canton, China, called jade Piedre de Ilharga, or stone of the loins, because they believed it to be strong medicine for kidney ailments. Jade objects brought back to Spain from the new world were called by the Spanish version of this phrase Piedra De Hijada. This became the French Ejade and then, finally, Jade.
• Today it is jadeite jade that is considered the real jade, commanding prices much higher than nephrite because it comes in much more vivid green colours and finer translucency than nephrite jade.
• The Chinese regards it as the noblest of all gems; the carvings of jade can trace the history of this country. Although no jade was every found in China, it has been used there since the beginnings of time.
• Many ancient races used jade for axes, knives, implements and weapons. It is a very durable stone and almost immune to breakage. Difficult to carve, jade has been used in art throughout the orient.
• Jadeite bangles are also very popular in Asian countries. Beads are also very beautiful and some important jadeite necklaces made during the art deco period have fetched hundreds of thousands of dollars in auctions in the past few years.
• Early Chinese businessmen carried amulets of jade while dealing in business transactions, to guide them and bring them good fortune.
• With the possible exception of diamonds, more books have been written about the virtues of jade than other gems.
• Ancient Chinese poets ascribed to this stone all the most desirable attributes of man - benevolence, knowledge, righteousness, virtuousness, purity, endurance, ingenuousness, morality, and, in its resonant quality, music.

Characteristics

The gemstone has a hardness of 6.0 - 7.0 and is not heat sensitive. It is found in countries such as Turkistan, Central Asia, Myanmar, Siberia, Russia, China, New Zealand, Australia, North America, Brazil, Taiwan, Zimbabwe, Italy, Poland, Germany and Switzerland.

Colour

Green has always been the most desired colour, but jade does come in all shades from pure white to pale blue, yellow or pink. IT has a natural smooth lustre and does not require much polishing.

Cut

The top jadeite jade is usually cut into smooth dome shapes called cabochons. Because of its smooth even texture, jade has long been a preferred material for carving. The most common shape is the flat donut-shaped disc called a pi, which is commonly worn as a necklace. The Emerald Buddha, the sacred image that is enshrined at Wat Phra Kaeo in Bangkok, Thailand, is actually beautiful green jadeite.

Jade is most often sold by the piece rather than per carat. Although the overall colour is the most important value factor, attention is also paid to translucency, texture, and also to pattern. Certain patterns, including moss in snow, are highly valued

Merits of Jade

• Its wear ability is termed as excellent.
• It requires no special care instructions. The gemstone is a good healer with reference to the following body parts as Kidney, heart, larynx, liver, parathyroid, spleen, thymus and thyroid.
• It strengthens body system and increases the length span of a human being.
• It is considered to be one of the most powerful protective devices known to mankind. It has been used throughout history as a deterrent to sorcery, demonic possession, tragedy and depression.
• If worn at night it ensures peaceful slumber and protects the home against intruders.

Those who are comfortable and at ease with the best of ancient and modern beliefs and values can find a readymade companion in this wonderful gemstone. It embodies universal spirit and projects love, health, wealth and long life to one who wears it.