Jade
Jade is an ornamental rock, often used in jewelry, carvings, and other decorative items. It's highly valued in many cultures for its beauty, rarity, and the belief in its metaphysical properties. Jade is not a single mineral but rather a term used for two different metamorphic rocks that are made up primarily of either Jadeite or Nephrite.
Types of Jade
- Jadeite: This is the rarer and more valuable form of jade, known for its vivid green color, although it can occur in various hues. It was first discovered in Burma (now Myanmar) and is the variety most often referred to as 'imperial jade'.
- Nephrite: Historically used in China and New Zealand, nephrite jade has a more muted color palette, ranging from white through various shades of green to black. It's generally tougher than jadeite, making it ideal for larger carvings.
History and Cultural Significance
Jade has been treasured for thousands of years across various cultures:
- In China, jade has been used since the Neolithic Period for tools, weapons, and later for ceremonial and ornamental objects. It symbolizes purity and moral integrity.
- Maori of New Zealand used nephrite jade, known as Pounamu, for crafting tools, weapons, and revered ornaments like the hei-tiki.
- In Mesoamerica, particularly among the Aztecs and Maya, jade was considered more valuable than gold, used in religious ceremonies, and as a symbol of power and wealth.
Physical Properties
Jade has several notable physical properties:
- Hardness: Nephrite ranges from 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, while Jadeite can go up to 7.
- Color: While green is the most recognized color, jade can also appear in white, yellow, lavender, red, and black.
- Toughness: Both varieties are tough, meaning they resist breakage due to their interlocking crystal structure.
Uses
Jade is used for:
- Jewelry - rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings.
- Carvings - from small amulets to large sculptures.
- Ornamental objects - bowls, vases, and decorative items.
- Tools and weapons historically.
Sources
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