Name: Jade
Color(s): Jadeite comes in a wide range of colors including green, mottled green and white, whitish gray, pink, brown, mauve, yellow, orange, and lilac. Green jade of this variety is usually an apple green or emerald color. Nephrite jade is more common than jadeite and is found in mostly dark green shades.
Mineral Information: tremolite and actinolite
Chemical Make-up: Nephrite = Ca2(Mg, Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2., Jadite = NaAlSi2O6.
Hardness: 6.5
Where they are found: Jadeite is found in Burma and Guatemala. Nephrite is found in many countries including China, The United States, and British Columbia.
About Stone: Jade is actually two different minerals referred to by the same name, called jadeite and nephrite. Jade has long been revered by the Chinese, where it is called ‘Yu’. It is believed to reduce stress, and prolong life. Jade isn’t an exceptionally hard stone, but it is very tough. In fact, it was used by earlier civilizations for axes and weapons. Jade is an important part of the Chinese wedding ceremony: it is considered the concentrated essence of love. Nephrite jade is considered to the “old and true Chinese jade” & is slightly softer than it’s counterpart.
Zodiac Association: Libra
Metaphysical Properties: The ultimate “Dream Stone,” revered to access the spiritual world, gain insight into ritualistic knowledge, encourage creativity, and dream-solve. A protective talisman, assuring long life and a peaceful death, and considered a powerful healing stone. An amulet of good luck and friendship, Jade signifies wisdom gathered in tranquility, dispelling the negative and encouraging one to see oneself as they really are.