Jade

Science & Origin of Jade

Jade is a name used to describe 2 different minerals, the first of which is Nephrite, a calcium magnesium silicate with a hardness of 6. It is most commonly found in shades of pale to dark green and typically contains yellowish hues, but can also display hues of  white, grey, brown, and black. Nephrite is most commonly found in New Zealand within Serpentine deposits and along the edges of water sources. It’s also commonly found in Australia, Russia, China, Taiwan, Canada, Zimbabwe and USA (Alaska and Wyoming). The second mineral known as "Jade" is Jadeite, which is a sodium aluminum silicate with a hardness of 6.5-7. Jadeite has a less glassy luster than Nephrite; appearing more dull and waxy with more vivid colorations. Although it is most commonly found in green, it can also occur in white, orange, yellow, grey, black, and lavender formations. Its first recorded discovery was by conquistadors in Mesoamerica and was brought back to Europe.

Meaning & Energy

Jade is a powerful healing stone for the heart. The strong energies it carries can be felt almost instantly when touched, especially when held to the heart. Its energies flow outwards towards the heart, injecting it with love and balance that can soften any weight one holds within it. Jade itself has a nurturing heart within its energetic makeup that seeks to heal, replenish, and support.

Jade is an excellent stone for young ones as it is used to protect children from harm and aids in maintaining purity and serenity. It is also very useful for those who feel they have lost touch with their inner child and can be of great aid in mending emotional wounds from the past so that one may reclaim their purity. It is recommended to wear Jade (or keep it nearby) when recovering from physical injuries as it can undo physical damage. Working with Jade or putting a piece in your pocket before bed will allow for a full, harmonious recovery of the physical body while resting. Jade is also a very helpful dream stone; placing a piece under your pillowcase, or even taping a piece to your forehead will assist with lucid dreaming and enhance abilities of dream recall.

Throughout time Jade has been used as a stone of abundance and prosperity. It has also been used to aid in shamanistic practices and astral travel. In ancient Chinese culture Jade was used to strengthen the body through life and protect the soul after death. Some items that excavation teams have found consist of Jade pendants, musical instruments, and massive amounts of different sized Jade gems. Jade is believed to be one of the stones used in the breastplate of the High Priest as well as Aaron in the Old Testament.