Jade
What is Jade?
Jade isn’t a single stone. In fact, two separate gemstones can be referred to as Jade: nephrite and jadeite. Both types are metamorphic rocks made of interlocking mineral crystals.
The most well-known Jade is made of beautiful shades of green that is often associated with Chinese culture, however, this gemstone can come in a variety of colors such as yellow, reddish, orange, white, gray, black, brown, and lavender.
Rightly so, Jade has been adored for thousands of years and has been cherished by many different cultures. Most notably, the ancient Chinese culture used Jade as an artistic tradition that has continued to thrive to this day.
The nephrite stone can be found in Australia, Canada, China, New Zealand, Russia, Taiwan, and the United States.
Jadeite is a stone most commonly found in Burma, Canada, Cuba, Guatemala, Japan, Kazakhstan, Russia, South America, Turkey, and the United States.
Jade is known to bring good luck to all that wear it.
This crystal is most often associated with Chinese medicine and healing. The color of the Jade crystal used in a healing session depends on the type of healing one seeks, as each color has its own healing powers. Though in general, Jade brings good fortune, courage, and a complete sense of joy to those who wear it.
The Jade crystal is believed to help wearers tap into the spiritual realm. It protects against negative energies and beings, as well as promotes healing, creativity, and access to a higher love.
| Chemical Classification | Inorganic - Either nephrite (a form of actinolite, amphibole group) or jadeite (a pyroxene mineral) |
| Color | Typically green, but can also be found in lavender, red, yellow, white, black, and grey. |
| Streak | White |
| Luster | Waxy to greasy. |
| Transparency | Opaque to translucent. |
| Occurrence | Myanmar (for jadeite), China (for nephrite), and New Zealand (for nephrite). |
| Formation | Formed in metamorphic rocks under high pressure and relatively low temperature. |
| Diaphaneity | Translucent |
| Cleavage | Perfect in two directions |
| Mohs Hardness | Nephrite: 6 to 6.5; Jadeite: 6.5 to 7 |
| Specific Gravity | Nephrite: 2.90 to 3.02; Jadeite: 3.20 to 3.35. |
| Diagnostic Properties | Toughness, waxy luster, often green but can be other colors. |
| Chemical Composition | Ca2(Mg, Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2, NaAlSi2O6 |
| Pleochroism | Not exhibited in jade. |
| Crystal System | Monoclinic, Monoclinic |
| Optical Properties | Biaxial (+), Biaxial (-) |
| Refractive Index | 1.600 - 1.641, 1.652 - 1.688 |
| Birefringence | Nephrite: 0.017 / Jadeite: 0.013 |
| 2V angle | Varies (due to two types: Nephrite and Jadeite) |
| Dispersion | Not typically relevant for jade. |