9 Interesting Facts About The Jade Gemstone

One century after another, jade caught the hearts of people due to its rich cultural sign and breathtaking beauty. That soft, silky texture and verdant green color make the gem one of the highest-demand stones, but actually, there is much behind those pretty colors. Here's why some intriguing facts about the jade stone shall excite your curiosity.

1. Jade Isn't Just One Gemstone

Every time the question pops up “What is a jade stone”, most people think of it as one type of gemstone, however, it refers to two different minerals: Nephrite and Jadeite. While they have similar properties, they vary in terms of composition and rarity.

• Nephrite: This most common variety of jade is usually found in a variety of shades: ranging between green, gray, and occasionally white. It's fairly durable yet never quite as transparent as the precious jadeite.

• Jadeite: Jadeite is rarer and more valued, especially the imperial jade variety, which has a translucent, emerald-green color that makes it very valuable. The rarity and beauty of jadeite make it one of the most expensive gemstones in the world, often commanding prices comparable to diamonds!

2. Jade Has Been a Symbol of Immortality

In ancient civilizations, especially Chinese, the jade stone was highly valued since it symbolized immortality and eternal life. This gemstone could preserve souls and protect the body. Therefore, the stone played a significant role in all burial rituals as it provided safe passage into the next world.

The jade burial suit was placed on ancient Chinese emperors and senior officials at the burial, in many cases being constructed of thousands of small pieces of jade stitched together. It was believed that the properties of the stone would ward off the deterioration of body and spirit and give life immortality.

3. Jade Was Used as Currency

A couple of centuries ago, jade was not only an ornamental jewelry piece and mystical stone but also used as a form of currency. In ancient Mesoamerica, the Mayans and Aztecs valued jade so highly that it became part of the trade. These Jade stones, sometimes carved into beads or figures, were used to barter for food, goods, and services.

Jade gemstones were so precious that, in certain cultures, they even trumped the value of gold. Thus, they represent wealth and status. In this regard, jade remains such a valued commodity even today for many regions such as in China and parts of Southeast Asia.

4. Jade Can Be Found in Many Colors

Most people connect jade to that iconic color green; you would not think that the thing can come in such color or even come in more hues. While being the most celebrated, there are whites, lavenders, yellows, and reds among all the hues in jade.

• Lavender jade, a less intense, lighter shade of purple, is gaining popularity.
• Yellow jade, sometimes called "canary jade," is extremely rare and said to be auspicious to the owner.
• Red jade is very unique, and it is highly demanded because of its rarity and rich color.

Every color of jade carries its significance in various cultures, and the difference will ensure that there is a jade piece for everyone.

5. The "Jade Emperor" in Chinese Mythology

The Jade Emperor is among the most important gods in Taoist Chinese mythology. This is the emperor who has power over heaven and heaven's entire plane of reality. The connection he holds through jade reflects his divine, as well as eternal nature.

The Jade Emperor also has the right to decide the fate of the souls. So, now the importance of jade grows even more in Chinese culture since it connects the emperor even more with this stone by attaching a relation with life, death, and immortality.

Also Read: Fake Jade with Fake Certificate from China

6. Jade Has Healing Properties

People have believed that jade contains mystical healing powers for ages. The basis of the belief lies in the stone's metaphysical properties, as well as its composition. Traditionally, ancient people believed that jade brings balance to the energy found in the body and allows it to have great physical health. For instance, it is said to aid kidney functions, purify the body, and even heal conditions related to the heart and lungs.

Modern practitioners of alternative medicine still use jade stones in healing rituals, believing that jade can enhance emotional stability and bring harmony to one's life. Jade rollers, used in facial massage, are also popular for their purported ability to reduce puffiness and promote a youthful complexion.

7. The Most Expensive Jade in the World

The most expensive jade ever sold at auction is a rare jadeite necklace that sold for $27.4 million. "The Hutton-Midvani Necklace" presents a stunning bead necklace with a geometric ruby and diamond clasp that was once owned by a socialite named Barbara Hutton and is a true example of the extreme value jadeite can hold.

This particular jadeite piece is special since it exhibits a rich, greenish color and perfect clarity, hence making it very rare and highly prized by collectors. Pieces such as this will become treasured heirloom pieces, often passed on from generation to generation.

8. Jade Has a Fascinating Scientific Composition

The natural process of how jade is made on the earth is beautiful itself. Jadeite and nephrite are formed through great pressure and heat within the Earth's crust. What the exact process is of how they are formed, as well as trace elements within the chemical reaction that would create each piece of jade with its unique color and texture, must occur.

A major reason jade is durable lies in its crystalline structure. The nephrite and jadeite are highly resistant to fracture and extremely hard to break, thus making them best suited for working in fine jewelry and ornamentation. This explains why jade has endured more than centuries of human usage.

9. Jade Was Used to Create Ancient Tools

Before jade became a decorative gemstone, it was used by ancient cultures to craft tools and weapons. The ancient Chinese, for instance, made jade tools like knives, axes, and scrapers. The hardness and sharpness of the stone made it ideal for such uses, and the tools were often used in ceremonial contexts rather than for everyday tasks.

Interestingly, the Maya also used jade in this way, crafting intricately carved jadeite blades for ceremonial and sacrificial purposes. This highlights the importance of jade not only as a gemstone but also as a material that holds both functional and spiritual significance.

10. Jade Jewelry: A Way to Connect with Tradition

Today, many people wear jade jewelry not only for its aesthetic value but also for its spiritual and cultural significance. Whether it's a jade ring symbolizing love and harmony or a jade bracelet believed to bring protection and good fortune, wearing jade is a way to connect with centuries of history and tradition.

For those looking for more than just a beautiful gemstone, jade offers a deeper connection to the ancient beliefs and cultural practices that have shaped human history.

Final Thoughts on the Jade Gemstone

Whether you're drawn to jade for its mystical qualities, its fascinating history, or its striking beauty, this gemstone has so much to offer. From being used as currency to symbolizing eternal life, jade has earned its place in the hearts of many. The next time you see a piece of jade jewelry or come across a jade gemstone, remember the incredible journey it has taken through time and the many secrets it holds.