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Jade was used in ancient times for weapons, utensils, and ornaments. Jade has always been prized by the Chinese and Japanese as the most precious of all stones, and the most beautiful specimens of carved jade in the form of ornamental pieces, such as vases, bowls, tablets, and statues, many of which are now museum pieces, were made in China.
Jade is a compact, opaque gemstone ranging in color from dark green to almost white. The term is applied to specimens cut from the minerals jadeite and nephrite.
Jadeite, the less common and more highly prized of the two minerals, is a silicate of sodium and aluminum, NaAl(SiO3)2, usually containing some iron, calcium, and magnesium. It belongs to the group of minerals called pyroxenes.
Nephrite, a member of the amphibole group of minerals, is a silicate of calcium and magnesium, with a small amount of iron replacing part of the magnesium. It is a tough, compact variety of the mineral tremolite.
In ancient Egypt and even now in Japan & China, Jade is considered the most precious of all stones. It is credited with five qualities: clarity, courage, justice, wisdom and modesty. It is one stone that oozes tranquility. So much so, even holding a Jade in your hand may cause you to experience a feeling of serenity or wisdom. Use Jade to reduce tension in your life. Physically, cures kidney problems, bladder troubles, poor digestion and eye problems. Alleviates sore back or spine.
Jadeite is found chiefly in eastern Asia in Myanmar, as well as in sections of Tibet and southern China. This Jade is exported to China, where it is carved into gems and figures. This Jade is known as "Chinese Jade". Chinese Jade has a higher market value than Jade from other locations. "Mexican Jade" is Jade from the large deposits in Guatemala and Mexico. This Jade was also mined since the earliest of times, but does not have such a rich history as the Chinese Jade. "Russian Jade" is a leek-green variety found near Lake Baikal in Russia. Elsewhere it can be found in Alaska, Mexico, New Zealand, Siberia, Turkistan and a, San Benito Co., California
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