Noble and beautiful jade stone has been appreciated by man for all ages. Many cultures made jewelry and weapons from it, believing that it would bring strength, wisdom and immortality to its owner. This mineral has many shapes and shades. In this article, we will talk about blue jade. You will find the photo, properties and significance of the stone in our material.
Jade and its varieties
Jade stone is a mineral from the genus of silicates. It is a compound of silica, calcium, magnesium and iron hydroxide. Its name comes from the Greek language in which it meant "kidney stone." In the past, it was believed that it relieves colic in the kidneys.
In addition to the basic elements, jade often contains chromium, manganese, nickel, vanadium, and other impurities. Their various combinations and concentrations create a huge number of color variations of the stone - from white and black to yellow, red, blue and swamp.
Blue jade is much less common than other variations, so it is considered especially valuable and expensive. White, red and black colors are also highly valued. The most common is green jade, it is with it that this mineral is usually associated.
Blue jade stone: photos and features
Jade is characterized by medium hardness. It is much softer than quartz, but in strength it can be compared with steel. The reason for this is the special structure due to which it is not so easy to break a stone in order to split it into pieces. To do this, you will have to make significant efforts.
In jewelry, blue jade is used as a semi-precious ornamental stone. Figurines, rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets, vases and caskets are made from it, and they are also used to inlaid various objects, paintings and panels. Due to its high strength, stone has to be machined with diamond-tipped tools. In ancient times, a chisel and a hammer were used for this.
The mineral is characterized by a greasy wax shine and deep color. As can be seen in the photo, blue jade (like other varieties) can have various clots, inclusions and specks. But such samples are not valued as highly as material with a uniform color and high transparency.
Place of Birth
Earlier on an industrial scale, jade was mined mainly in China and Myanmar. Today, much more deposits of this amazing stone are known. Currently, it is also mined in the USA, Mexico, India, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, as well as in Central Asia.
There are also stone deposits in Russia, where they are located in the northern regions of the Urals. The most fertile deposits are located in the Vitim and East Sayan regions. However, the Russian mineral is predominantly green. Blue jade is most often found in New Zealand and China.
Jade value
It is not known when jade was first discovered, because people used it even before our era. The stone is firmly entrenched in the culture of many peoples, performing the role of decoration, reliable and useful material in everyday life, as well as the subject of religious cults.
Products from it were found in Europe, Asia, South and Central America, the Middle East and the islands of New Zealand. In the 7th millennium in the Balkans, there was a so-called jade culture, whose representatives made tools from this mineral. In New Guinea, among the Papuans, stone served as material for knife blades and spearheads even in the 19th century.
In Asia and the Middle East, it was part of the burials. So, a tomb was built from jade for the Central Asian ruler Tamerlane, who was buried in Samarkand. In ancient China, special jade costumes were made for the dead emperors, which were then worn on their mummies.
Magical properties
Jade was incredibly appreciated in antiquity, of course, not only because of its physical qualities. In various areas of life, it was also used because they believed in the power of the energy that lurks in it.
The main property of blue jade, as well as other stones of its kind, was considered the ability to protect its owner from misfortune, to bring him prosperity and eternal life. To obtain immortality, the mineral was placed in tombs and sarcophagi, placed next to the dead, hoping that they would gain a new life.
The stone was associated with wisdom, decency, nobility and honesty. It was believed that a person who wore an amulet from it should comply with these qualities. To those who possessed him, he gave courage, but at the same time helped to remain calm and reasonable.
This is a stone of strong and purposeful personalities, therefore, emperors, kings and kings wore jewelry from it mainly. In Ancient Mesopotamia, it was part of cults, and was also used as a remedy for various ailments. Representatives of this civilization believed that jade can protect them from destructive phenomena and natural disasters. The owner of the stone was not afraid of lightning, earthquakes, floods and other dangers.
Benefit for health
Much attention was paid to the healing properties of blue jade stone. In ancient times, healers used it to get rid of the plague, to relieve pain during childbirth and wounds. In some cultures, it was believed that the stone is able to rid of any ailments, because according to legend, it brought longevity and a happy life. By the way, in order to maintain health for as long as possible, crushed stone was often added to drinks.
The special quality of jade is that it is one of the most heat-intensive minerals. It absorbs heat and heat well and gives them back for a long time. For this reason, it is used in baths and saunas to maintain a high temperature, and earlier it was actively used to warm the back, joints, stomach and other painful areas in the body.
Modern lithotherapists also support the idea of the beneficial properties of jade. It is believed that the stone is able to improve blood circulation, relieve a person of headache, active inflammatory processes and increase immunity. It is alleged that it affects all body systems, increasing its tone and the productivity of internal organs.
Various brands make special massage rollers and balls, bracelets, rugs, pillows and other jade devices that are aimed at maintaining health. In ancient China, similar items were also popular. Jade facial massagers were used as cosmetics against rashes, blackheads or wrinkles.
Astrologer Tips
In astrology, jade is also considered a powerful and important mineral. It contains the energy of both earth and sky, so it suits almost all signs of the zodiac. Stone is contraindicated only to Sagittarius and Taurus. The rest he is able to give strength and inspiration, bring calm, poise and increase moral stability.
However, all representatives of the zodiac constellation need to select a mineral of their color. So, Virgo is more suited to a red tint, Capricorn - green. Blue jade is a stone that is recommended for signs of water elements, that is, Aquarius, Cancers and Pisces. It will strengthen their willpower, relieve internal contradictions and help direct thoughts and actions in the right direction.
Jade is recommended to people who start a new path and radically change their lives. It gives reasonableness and allows you not to commit rash acts. You can always carry it with you and even sleep with rings and bracelets made from it. Metals do not change its properties and do not affect the energy that it communicates to its owner. Thanks to this, blue jade can be worn with gold, platinum or silver.
How not to choose a fake?
Compared to gems, jade is a fairly affordable mineral. But they manage to fake it, especially when it comes to rare shades. In most cases, the fake stone also contains jade, but not solid, as it should be, but shavings that remain from the production of products. The crumbs of the mineral are treated with plastic, dyes and other substances and sold much more expensive than they should.
A fake can be recognized by a number of signs, however, some of them appear only after a while. Jade is very durable, does not fade and does not undergo abrasion for a long time. The fake quickly becomes cloudy and after that forever loses a beautiful oily sheen. This stone is beautifully shone through and shimmers, the fake has a dull look and does not let light through it. The boundaries of inclusions and veins should be traced very clearly. If they blur, then take such a product is not worth it. In addition, the fake is not as strong as genuine jade, and is likely to break when hit.
"Stone of life"
Blue jade is an insanely beautiful stone, which is especially appreciated in jewelry. Of the dozens of varieties of the mineral, it is most difficult to find. For thousands of years, it has been used by man to create talismans, amulets, jewelry and tools.
This strong mineral has always been a symbol of nobility and greatness. It was believed that he was able to heal from diseases, give longevity and even immortality, due to which he was called the stone of life. Products from it are still popular and in great demand, and it is better for everyone to make sure of its magical and healing properties.