Nephrite

 

Origin

Jade or Nephrite derives its name from the Greek word “nephros” meaning kidney. Jade was long considered an “imperial gem”. Jade has long been an esteemed majestic stone in the Chinese empire similar to diamonds and gold in western countries. Widely considered an elite stone it was presented to the Chinese imperial court where skilled artisans turned them into masterpieces. Jade was widely used in the making of Chinese scholars’ objects like calligraphy brushes, mouthpieces and opium pipes. Nephrite jade can be found in China for utilitarian and ceremonial purposes, from indoor and decorative items to jade burial sites.  Indigenous tribes in Mexico, central and South America and New Zealand carved jade into deity masks and ritual artefacts.

Jade is comprised of metamorphic rocks called silicate minerals called Nephrite and Jadeite. These are then classified into grades in the ABC Treatment System. Nephrite is a calcium magnesium silicate while jadeite is a sodium aluminium silicate. Each has different compositions, hardness, densities and crystal structures.

Nephrite is usually a creamy white form, mid to deep olive green, brown and black. It has a smooth surface polish and the most common form of jade.  Jadeite comes in blue, lavender mauve, pink and emerald green. Different colours were imported to Burma in 1800. It is hard and lustrous, rarer than Nephrite and more valuable. Imperial Jade is the rarest and most treasured form.

Physical

It is a powerful cleansing stone. It aids the spleen, kidneys and supra-adrenal glands, removing toxins and balancing fluids. It helps treats reproductive disorders. Imperial jade is most useful for the healing process after surgery.

 

Emotional

Jade is a dream stone it releases negative thoughts, irritability and soothes the mind it helps release ones limitation one has put on oneself. It helps access the spiritual world, encourages creativity and dream interpretation. It is the stone of serenity in the midst of a storm. It recharges energy and heals feelings of guilt. It is a crystal of love and supports new love. It provides confidence, self-assurance, self-reliance and self suffiency.

Other varieties include:

Brown Jade is grounding. It connects to the earth and provides comfort and reliability.

Lavender Jade alleviates emotional hurt and provides spiritual nourishment. Its energy is of the highest etheric spectrum.

Orange Jade brings joy and teaches the interconnectedness of all beings. It is energetic and quietly stimulating.

Purple Jade encourages mirth and happiness, and purifies one’s aura. It dispels the negative and increases one’s level of discernment.

Red Jade is a stone of life-force energy, dispelling fear that holds one back, and urges one to action.

White Jade filters distractions, pulls in relevant, constructive information and aids in decision making.

Yellow Jade is cheerful and energetic, a stone of assimilation and discrimination.

 

Attributes

It is most valued for its metaphysical properties. It is used widely as a protective talisman while traveling and an amulet of good luck and friendship.

 

Specifications

 

Mineral :	Silicate
Geometric Form :	Primary
Formation :	Monoclinic
Family:	Jade
Colour Ray:	Vary
Birthstone:	Leo Virgo August
Appearance:	Transluent to opaque
Aura:	Vary
Colour:	green lavender red yellow white black
Chakra:	Heart chakra