CHARACTERISTICS OF JADE STONE {{ currentPage ? currentPage.title : "" }}

1. NAME

The name of this gem goes back to the time of the conquest of the Americas: it derives from "piedra de ijada" (colic stone), this name is known from 1565, while another name that was given at that time was “kidney stone” that translated into Latin becomes “Lapis Nephriticus” (and hence Nephritis). In any case, these nomenclatures indicate the link that the Spanish conquerors made between the lustrous Jade stones and the kidneys.

2. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF JADE

Jade is composed of particular silicate minerals distributed in a structure made of very fine granules and intertwined fibers that make it very resistant. Jade is opaque, that is, impenetrable to light.

3. ORIGIN OF JADE

The largest exporters of this gem are China and Burma, but specimens are mined in Guatemala, Russia, Kazakhstan, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America.

4. HISTORY OF JADE

More than any other gem, Jade is imprinted at the heart of China's culture and under its influence all of Southeast Asia. Considered a real gem, Jade began to be extracted as early as 6,000 years BC. It was called by the ancient Chinese the "Gem of Heaven" because it was associated with immortality and the power of establishing a bridge between heaven and earth. There are two varieties of Jade – Jadeite (alkaline pyroxene group) and Nephritis (amphibole group). Until 1863 both varieties were called Jade. It was thanks to the French mineralogist Alexis Damour the discovery that Chinese Jade (Nephritis) and Burmese Jade (called Jadeite by him) belong to different minerals, but with similar properties and appearance.

semi-precious stones: agate

Jadeite has a short history and was never particularly in demand until the 18th century. The most beautiful specimens, of great purity and of an intense emerald green, were so coveted by the Chinese emperors that it was given the name of Imperial Jade. Jadeite comes in various colors: blue, brown, cream, green, gray, lavender, orange, red, violet, white, yellow and combinations of these colors, even in the form of spots. The reddish color of Jadeite is due to the presence of traces of iron, while its intense greens are due to chrome. Nephritis has a smaller range of colors: brown, gray, yellow, white. Both the stains and the red, yellow and brown lines are due to an oxidation process.

5. CHARACTERISTICS OF JADE

Delicate and silky to the touch, Jade with its wonderful and delicate colors is the perfect complement to any outfit. This delicacy of colors should not confuse us since Jade, together with Diamond, is one of the most resistant stones.

6. JADE CARE

Jade can be exposed to steam cleaning but not ultrasonic.

Semi Precious Stones in Wholesale Rates

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