Properties, history, virtues and benefits of jade

Jade, which has an important place in Chinese and pre-Columbian cultures, is a hard gemstone often used in both lithotherapy and jewelry. Associated with the color green, jade stone can actually take on several colors depending on its composition. This fine stone has been used in Europe since the Neolithic. positive qualities both physically and psychologically. It is interesting to know its various properties in order to use it optimally.

Mineralogical properties of jade

Jade is a translucent mineral belonging to the silicate family. Two main types can be distinguished, namely jade and jade. Jade jade, composed of calcium and magnesium, is a widely occurring stone, identified in 1846 by the French mineralogist Alexis Damour. In 1863, he distinguished it from jadeite, which is composed of sodium and aluminum silicate. Harder and denser at the same time, this is a stone whose rarity also makes it more valuable. Mention should be made of a third variety with cosmochlor, a silicate of sodium and chromium, close to the latter.

De many variations of jade can be found, their chemical composition affects their color. Traditionally olive, this stone may contain cobalt salts for a bluish color, titanium salts to make it darker, even black, or iron and manganese salts to give it a pinkish tint. The content of chromium salts in a mineral determines the intensity of its green color. Pure white jade.

Jade Jewelry and Items

Etymology of jade

The word "jade" is of Spanish origin when it was discovered by the conquistadors of the New World in the XNUMXth century. They baptized her flanking stone or "side stone". Indeed, according to the beliefs of the Mesoamerican tribes, this mineral could be used to treat pain affecting the kidneys. It has also been used to treat renal colic. This property is the source of the Latin name " kidney stone .

Thus, the etymology of the stone testifies to very old use of its medicinal properties. In France, the stone has been known and used since the XNUMXth century. Direct translation of the Spanish name, it is then called " ejade ' before eventually losing the initial vowel. The name "jade" then took root in different languages.

The place of this stone in history

Jade has been used in many cultures for thousands of years. In this brief historical overview, we invite you to discover the richness of this history.

jade stone in china

He played an important role in China. from 5000 BC. This is especially true in the northeast of the country, but also in the west, where we find the oldest pieces of jade. This mineral was systematically used in the Liangzhu culture from 3300 to 2000 BC. for ceremonial and funeral purposes. At that time, it was customary to cover the bodies of high-ranking deceased with jade products. Jade traditionally becomes a gem associated with the emperor, an undoubted symbol of supreme power. When polished and processed, the stone is a sign of beauty and prestige. As such, it remains in widespread use over the following centuries, right up to the present day.

Important mineral in pre-Columbian cultures

Ancient pre-Columbian deposits were discovered in Central America in the 1970s, and some varieties of jade have long been associated with these cultures. Blue-green jade is still called Olmec jade, while dark green jade is known as Mayan jade. Large deposits were located in the highlands of Guatemala, in the territory of the Sierra de las Minas. The Aztecs used this stone to make masks and items associated with water deities. She was in their eyes more valuable than gold, as evidenced by the treasures of Montezuma, handed over to the conquistadors.

The Presence of Jade in a Variety of Cultures

Other peoples used jade in their cults. The Greeks used it to refer to Moira, those three goddesses who preside over human destinies. Taking advantage of the vast deposits of the Italian Alps, the Romans favored the stone for medicinal purposes, placing it on the eyelids for its ability to soothe the eyes. Elixirs based on jade have also been prepared to counteract the effects of snake venom. In Ireland, the Celtic peoples associated jade with Brigid, goddess of the arts and magic. The Egyptians have long associated him with Maat, the goddess of justice. In New Zealand, the Maori have made it a key element of rituals associated with the worship of water and the goddess of the night.

Advantages and strength of jade in lithotherapy

Currently, jade is one of the most interesting minerals in the context of lithotherapy treatments. The virtues of this stone manifest themselves in different ways, also allowing associations with other precious stones. The powers of jade make it a stone to consider if you want to improve your skills in this type of alternative medicine.

Virtues of jade against physical ailments

Jade has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. People who want to turn to lithotherapy can take advantage of this gemstone for healing. kidney or urination problems. Pre-Columbian civilizations associated jade with the ability to cleanse the organs, especially in the kidney area, and promote the elimination of waste from the body.

This stone is also known for its tendency to treat skin problems with apposition. Contact with the epidermis has a beneficial effect on blood circulation, allows you to even out complexion and restore skin elasticity.

Other properties often associated with jade include its role in reduction in fever and migraine. The stone should then be placed on the forehead to gradually reduce the pain or sensation of warmth. In various cultures, jade has also been used to prevent vision problems, improve fertility, calm nerves and lower your heart rate. The ancients saw it as a compelling element for purifying the blood, strengthening the body and alleviating joint problems.

Mental and psychological properties of jade

Found in many cultures around the world, jade is a powerful symbol that has many properties attributed to it on a psychic level. This precious stone has long been perceived as a natural element. source of wisdom and peace. Often referred to as a spiritual stone, jade promotes pacification of the senses, calmness and harmony between people.

The stone is often associated with inner peace and self-knowledge. In difficult situations, turning to a stone of this type, which is in contact with the skin in everyday life, allows you to have a positive effect on the mind and drive away negative thoughts. A source of calmness, jade also promotes stabilize emotions and feel more comfortable with others.

A symbol of trust and honesty, this stone has beneficial properties on an emotional level. This reduces guilt and promotes frank and sincere exchanges with others. In ancient cultures, jade was considered an element that promoted the understanding of art, especially music. He was credited with being able to encourage him to weigh his judgment and show more perspective and empathy.

What stones are associated with jade?

In lithotherapy, associations of stones with similar energies are recommended. You can get the most out of each crystal by pairing it with other elements that can enhance its benefits. No more need to prove the importance of colors in lithotherapy. Thus, jade green, the most common, is often associated with stones with similar hues, such as agate and tourmaline. Such a set provides balance and calm, for newfound harmony and healthier relationships every day.

Also, for greater effectiveness, association with stones that affect the same chakras is recommended. Jade mainly activates two chakras: heart chakra and solar plexus chakra. In the first case, you can wear jade with aquamarine on your skin. In the second, an association with rose quartz, malachite, emerald or ruby ​​can be considered.

How to clean and recharge jade stone?

For the best use of your jade products, it is important cleanse and energize the stone on a regular basis. His virtues diminish with time without him. Therefore, it is important not to neglect this aspect for ideal everyday use.

Several methods can be implemented to clean your stones. One of the simplest is to put the jade for soaking in a container containingspring water during few hours. Incense fumigation is another solution you can consider for effective cleaning. To recharge the gem, you can expose it for several hours to natural light.

While charging in the sun is always a good choice, it is generally accepted that moonlight is better with this stone. You can place your jade items on your windowsill at night, especially on a full moon, so you can use them to their full potential later on. A deposit of one to two hours in a container of quartz is another way to energize the stone.

Even if jade is not a gemstone known for its fragility, certain cleaning methods should be avoided. It is best not to let the stone come into contact with salt or hot water, as well as with chlorine or abrasive pastes used for polishing. For elements treated with epoxy, fumigation is also not recommended, as this can damage the stone.