Jadeite Stone: Properties, Benefits & Meanings
Jadeite Stone Overview
The Jadeite stone is the rarer variety of the Jade family that is famed for its beauty. It is highly valued by collectors and sought after for its beautiful color, transparency, and durability.
This article will look into the details of the meanings, properties, and uses of the Jadeite stone.
What is Jadeite Stone?
Jadeite stone is an expensive mineral in the pyroxene family. It may be found in various colors, but it is primarily white or green.
Jadeite is a mineral that forms the basis of most high-quality jade—a precious stone prized in China and other Asian countries. Most of the world’s finest jadeite jade is mined in northern parts of Myanmar.
Jadeite tools and implements have been found at Stone Age sites, suggesting that humans have treasured the mineral for thousands of years.
Jadeite stones are found only at subduction zones, where rock undergoes metamorphism at high pressure but relatively low temperature.
Origin of the name
The name “jadeite” (via French: jade and Latin: ilia) comes from the Spanish phrase “piedra de ijada,” which means “stone of the side.”
The Latin translation of the name, lapis nephriticus, is the origin of the term nephrite, a different mineral that also shares the common name jade.
What are some other names for Jadeite?
These names are also used for Jadeite:
- Yunnan Jade
- Yu-stone
Nephrite Vs. Jadite
Jadeite and Nephrite Jade are two sub-types of jade. While the chemical composition is similar (both consist primarily of calcium and magnesium), their molecular structure differs significantly.
- Formation: Nephrites occur in a metamorphic rock formed under high pressure and temperature; Jadeite stone is an igneous rock formed from cooling magma or lava.
- Color: Jadeite usually comes in white and pale green, while Nephrite’s color ranges from light gray to dark green (or even black).
- Hardness: Nephrite hardness is about 6.5 on the Mohs scale, which means it is harder than talc but softer than quartz. Jadeite is harder and denser than Nephrite (7-7.5 on the Mohs scale).
- Location: Jadeite can be found in many places, including China, Myanmar (Burma), Guatemala, and Russia (Yakutia). Nephrite can be found in many areas, including China, New Zealand, Canada, Brazil, Japan, and the United States (Maine).
Jadeite stone (also called “true” jade) was first discovered in China during the 17th century. It was used as an alternative to green Jadeite until 1866, when it became clear that there were two types of jade: one called Nephrite (which is white or green) and one called Jadeite (which has a lavender color).
Historical Facts
Towards the end of the 18th century, Jadeite stone became significantly used in China as fei Tsui.
The Olmec, Maya, and indigenous peoples of Costa Rica all used Jadeite stones in different rituals and practices.
Researchers have found over 180 axe heads made of Jadeite stones in various locations across the British Isles. Because of the difficulty involved in working this material, all axes made from it appear to have been non-utilitarian and may have represented some form of currency or a gift exchange.
Thousands of beads made from Jadeite stones and axes hailing from the Neolithic era have been unearthed in Itoigawa, Japan. These beads and axes were traded throughout Japan and the Korean Peninsula and were produced by the world’s oldest known jadeite-using culture, centered in the Itoigawa region.
Where is The Jadeite Stone found?
Jadeite stones are found in many countries, including:
What are the physical properties of The Jadeite Stone?
Jadeite has the following physical properties:
| Mineral Group | Jade |
| Formula | Na(Al,Fe3+)Si2O6 |
| Color | Green |
| Hardness (Mohs scale) | 6.5 – 7 |
| Refractive Index | 1.652 – 1.688 |
| Crystal System | Monoclinic |
| Luster | Greasy, Dull |
| Specific Gravity | 3.28 – 3.38 |
| Transparency | Translucent, Opaque |
What is the typical appearance of a Jadeite stone?
Jadeite is typically white to pale green, but it can also be blue-green (like the recently rediscovered “Olmec Blue” jade), pink or lavender—and many other shades of green.
Chloromelanite is a very dark green to-black variety. Color is primarily affected by trace elements such as chromium and iron. Its translucence varies from opaque to almost transparent. Variations in color and translucency are often found even within a single specimen.
Jadeite is tough and durable because the tiny crystals of its structure interlock to form a tight matrix. Fractures are rough, dull to the touch, and oily when polished.
The most prized semitransparent Jadeite is called “Imperial Jadeite” because of its even, vivid green color. Lavender is the second most valued color.
The black jade found in Guatemala, known as Maya Black, is becoming increasingly popular.
How can you tell if your Jadeite is genuine or not?
The best way to determine whether your Jadeite is genuine is to get it examined by a professional. You can visit your local jeweler or take the stone to an expert for evaluation.
Some valuable tips to remember when checking if your stone is genuine or not are as follows.
- Color: When evaluating the color of your Jadeite, it’s best to look for a rich green color. The stone should be bright and vibrant, not dull or faded.
- Acetone Test: Soak Jadeite stone in acetone for a few minutes to see if the color comes off. If it does, you can be sure your stone is fake.
- Check for inclusions: When looking for inclusions, it’s best to be aware of what to expect from a genuine Jadeite. The stone should have flecks or spots of white or black, but they should not be large enough to interfere with the overall appearance. If your stone has large white spots that are visible and distracting, it is probably not authentic Jadeite.
- Check for weight: Check the weight of your Jadeite. If it feels too light, then it may be fake or insubstantial.
- Scratch Test: Do a scratch test. Kitchen knives shouldn’t leave a mark on hard stones with a rating of 6-7 or higher. Jadeite has a Mohs hardness of 7 and does not have cleavage.
Jadeite stone Cost and Value
Jadeite stones are expensive and valuable, with the highest quality stones selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars. The most valuable Jadeite is a translucent, pure green color with no visible inclusions or flaws.
Color
Color is the most important factor in determining value. The color of the Jadeite stone affects its price. The more vibrant and intense the shade, the higher value it has. Also, certain shades are rarer than others, affecting overall value. For example, Light greens are more occasional and, therefore, more expensive than dark ones. Rare Jadeite stones like Olmec Blue, Maya Black, and Chloromelanite are also incredibly expensive due to their rarity.
Cut
The cut is the way a gemstone has been shaped and polished. The quality of the cut affects the brilliance, luster, and fire of a stone. A well-cut Jadeite stone should have clean facets that reflect light through the stone like mirrors.
Size
The size of a gemstone is the most critical factor in determining its value. Larger gems are rarer, more valuable, and more desirable than smaller ones. For example, a one-carat Jadeite stone is usually more costly than a half-carat one because fewer are available at any given time, and they take longer to find.
Clarity
Clarity refers to the number and size of inclusions or imperfections in a gemstone. The fewer inclusions there are, the greater the clarity. Therefore, a stone with high clarity will have few visible inclusions when viewed under magnification, whereas those with low clarity may look cloudy or foggy.
Chakra Connection
What chakra does The Jadeite Stone represent?
Jadeite is associated with the heart chakra. It promotes self-love, compassion, and acceptance. Jadeite can help you to connect to your inner child, allowing you to understand what makes them happy and content in life. Jadeite has been used for centuries by healers as a tool for opening up clogged energy centers that prevent one from experiencing joy.
Where is the heart chakra located?
The heart chakra is found in the center of your chest, between your shoulder blades. It’s associated with love and compassion.
What’s another name for the heart chakra?
The heart chakra is also referred to as Anahata, which means “unstruck sound” in Sanskrit.
What does The Jadeite Stone Symbolize?
Jadeite symbolizes the following:
- Health and vitality: Jadeite is a stone that promotes health and life. Jadeite helps to bring your body back into balance, especially when you’re feeling stressed or run down. This stone can help with arthritis, allergies, and asthma symptoms.
- Love and compassion: Jadeite is a stone of love and compassion. It helps you to open your heart chakra and connect with others on a deeper level. This stone also enables you to forgive yourself and others, making it easier for you to move forward.
- Peace and tranquility: Jadeite helps to bring peace and serenity into your life. It can help you feel calmer when things are chaotic around you and can help relieve stress. This stone also promotes self-acceptance, which is essential if you’re trying to overcome an addiction or stop bad habits like smoking or overeating.
- Stability and balance: Jadeite is a stone of stability and balance. Imperial Jade helps you to maintain good mental health and can help relieve anxiety, depression, and stress. This crystal also helps to keep your emotions under control.
- Intuition: Jadeite is a stone that helps you to connect with your intuition, as well as helping you to understand what it is trying to tell you. It can also help to bring clarity into your life and assist you in making decisions when faced with difficult choices.
What are the uses of The Jadeite Stone?
Jadeite has the following uses:
- Jadeite is known to be a stone of peace and harmony. Its spiritual essence clears the mind, strengthening the intellect and encouraging clear thinking. It relieves anger, stress, anxiety, and fear. Jadeite is a powerful aid for connecting with one’s intuition and personal spirituality. Jadeite has also been used to help heal physical disorders: arthritis, gout, warts, and muscle aches, as well as relieve headaches.
- Jadeite is a stone of prosperity, abundance, and success. Chinese Jadeite brings harmony to relationships, especially romantic ones. In Chinese culture. Jadeite has been used to stimulate creativity and imagination. It can also be used as an aid for meditation and dream recall.
- Jadeite is known as the “Stone of Heaven,” It is said to enhance life energy, provide balance and increase one’s ability to manifest desires. It is a stone of harmony that creates peace within the emotional body and others. Jadeite can be used to open and activate all chakras, especially the heart chakra. This makes it a natural choice when balancing one’s emotions, affecting personal relationships, or working through imbalances in life and love.
- Jadeite is known as the stone of immortality — it represents longevity and long life and can be used to promote wisdom. Jadeite is also a stone of willpower, helping to give the wearer strength when facing challenges.
- Jadeite is an excellent stone for meditation and healing. Jadeite pendants help the owner bring a more detached perspective to their life, blocking destructive emotions and desires. Jadeite bracelets allow one to remain calm and at peace despite overwhelming circumstances. It promotes personal tolerance, compassion, and forgiveness, which can come from understanding self-worth, identity, and purpose.
- Jade is a stone that strengthens and enhances the energies of other crystals. Jadeite is a helpful talisman to improve its properties when placed on or near a crystal. It is also believed to help contact one’s spirit guides, angels, and devas.
How to clean Jadeite Stone Jewelry?
Jadeite is durable and can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid using ultrasonics or steamers as these may cause damage to the stone’s surface. If you want to clean your Jadeite jewelry at home, take the following steps:
- Wipe the jewelry with a microfiber cloth and warm water, just as you would for any other piece of jewelry.
- If your Jadeite Jewelry has been worn frequently or is dirty from everyday wear, you can use mild dish soap to clean it. Make sure that the soap does not contain bleach!
- Rub some alcohol onto a soft cloth and use this to clean the surface of the gemstone—this will keep it looking shiny!
- Cleanse it using burning sage to remove any negativity absorbed, which can negatively impact the surroundings.
- There are various ways to recharge your amulet, including immersing it in moonlight or burying it underground.
It’s essential to cleanse the Jadeite before using it—the process keeps you energized and helps keep negative energies at bay.
Jadeite should not be exposed to household chemicals or heat, damaging it or changing its color.
FAQ
What is Jade vs. Jadeite?
The only difference between jade and Jadeite is quality. Jade exists in two varieties which are Nephrite and Jadeite. Jadeite is considered a high-quality jade and is rarer and more expensive than Nephrite.
What is the rarest color of Jadeite?
Jadeite’s green and lavender hues are the most well-known, while its blue variety is considered rarest. Most deposits consist primarily of gem-quality Jadeite—in Myanmar, Japan, and Guatemala.
What gemstones go well with Jadeite?
The green, blue and lavender hues of Jadeite will look best when paired with other green gems such as emerald or peridot. You can also wear it with black onyx, freshwater pearls, or green sapphire to bring out the color.
