Not only is jade an ornamental gemstone often used in jewelry, but the symbolism of jade has a rich history that goes beyond the beauty of the stone. This gemstone is revered in many cultures and continues to be one of the most popular gemstones on the market.

Jade is known for its vibrant green color, but it can also contain other hues that make it beautiful and decorative. This gemstone also offers melodic resonance, which is why it has been used for musical instruments throughout history.

The symbolism of jade has long been associated with wealth and nobility. In China, the meaning of jade crystal was “king,” and it signaled authority and high rank in society. It has long been viewed as a protector of generations for both the living and the dead. The virtues of this stone are equity, courage, goodness, knowledge, divination, harmony, skill, wisdom, rectitude, and charity.

What is jade stone? “Jade” actually refers to several different types of minerals that often go by this name. These gemstones have properties of durability and strength. While the composition of these minerals is slightly different, they offer beautiful, vibrant green hues. They are metamorphic rocks that contain mineral crystals interlocking within, which is why the gemstones are so tough.

• Nephrite: This type of jade is characterized by colors that are a bit more subdued or muted compared to jadeite. The colors in nephrite tend to be darker, including deep shades of green with creamy white blended in. Nephrites can also contain different colors, such as gray, black, brown, or yellow.
  

• Jadeite: On the other hand, jadeite has bright colors, such as emerald green. These gemstones can also have other purple hues that contrast with the green. Different shades of jadeite include brown, black, gray, reddish-orange, yellow, white, and violet. Often, the color of jade is unevenly distributed, creating a unique visual design in every piece.
  

• Omphacite: This type of jade is a more modern version – but only in certain conditions. There are differing opinions about whether omphacite is categorized as jade, and testing must be done on each gemstone. Some green omphacites have a similar color to green jadeite.

The transparency can range from semi-transparent to fully opaque, depending on the type of jade. The highest quality jade gemstones tend to have semi-transparent coloring. The texture of this gemstone is smooth, which is one reason why it is often used in jewelry.

The name “jade” was derived from Spanish: “piedra de hijada,” with a literal translation of “stone of the pain in the side.” This name was chosen because Spanish explorers saw native people holding jade stones to their sides and abdomens as a way to alleviate various pains and aches.

The cultural roots of jade run deep, especially in countries throughout Eastern Asia and Meso-American cultures (Aztec and Mayan civilizations). The roots reach far back into history, dating back to prehistoric humans living in huts and caves. Historians have found evidence of jade being used in the Stone Age. Today, people around the world highly prize jade, using it for ritualistic and symbolic purposes.

Traditionally, Chinese folklore focused on nephrite as the preferred type of jade. On the other hand, Meso-Americans used jadeite in their traditions. In the Maori culture in New Zealand, jade was used through generations for ornaments, weapons, and tools.

In addition to personal jewelry, it is often used as an ornamental stone in sacred buildings. For example, jade is often included in ceremonial objects and sculptures. The ritualistic significance is commonly used for different religious ceremonies, including burial rites. Many people regard it as a symbol of harmony, wisdom, and purity.

For ceremonies, jade is also used in a variety of ritualistic musical instruments, including gongs, chimes, and xylophones.

There are many jade crystal benefits for both emotional and physical healing. While the benefits vary from person to person, jade can be a helpful gemstone to use with other forms of emotional and physical healing tools.

Throughout history, jade has been known as the stone of good luck and contributes to every aspect of healing.

Alternative medicine practitioners find benefits in using jade with their patients because of the healing benefits.

The cleansing jade crystal properties can support the organs in releasing toxins and healing. It is known to support the bladder, kidneys, and spleen, which helps to balance fluids throughout the body. Additionally, jade is known to assist the body in fighting infections and supporting the body in the healing process. The cool surface of the stone can bring down fevers.

Jade has also been found to have a positive impact on people facing sexual problems. It can contribute to sexual desire by improving the libido. Additionally, it is known as a gemstone offering mystical powers to assist with childbirth.

In Middle Eastern cultures, jade is used as a talisman against injuries – believed to protect against misfortune and accidents. In ancient China, it was thought that drinking water mixed with powered jade could help extend life and strengthen the body. Additionally, this mixture was sometimes ingested before death because it was believed to delay the body's decomposition.

The energetic benefits of jade can promote emotional well-being by pushing away negative thought patterns. People find that jade can be beneficial for tapping into personal wisdom and finding the courage to move through challenges. It helps to clear the mind and calm the heart, which has an undeniable impact on mental and emotional health.

Ancient Chinese poets have called jade “the concentrated essence of love” because the melodic sound of the gemstone sounds like the voice of a loved one. When jade is used in instruments, it can have a soothing and relaxing effect because of the “heavenly” tones, which is why it is often used in ritualistic settings. Participants in the ceremonies experience mental and emotional healing as they hear the sound of the instruments.

Pure jade offers metaphysical benefits to promote balanced emotions. What is the spiritual meaning of jade? It is known as a gemstone that provides protection and promotes harmony. If you want to keep negative energies away and attract good luck at the same time, then jade is an optimal gemstone to use.

Not only are these metaphysical properties available in jade gemstones, but it’s believed that carved jade stone will invoke powers on earth and in heaven – tapping into mystic forces.

These metaphysical properties are one reason why jade is often used for burial rites. For example, some cultures bury the dead with jade near the body or in the mouth of the deceased. The green stone represents the heart, which is why green is always the color of jade that is used for the dead.

Many people associate the green color of jade with the heart chakra. In the ancient chakra system, the use of green is a way to clear the heart energy center and create more balance overall.

The heart chakra holds a person’s compassion, love, and trust. Not only does the heart chakra influence romantic relationships, but it plays a role in how we connect with the world and people around us. Jade can promote a better sense of self-love, which has a positive impact on improving interactions with other people as well.

It is believed that jade is beneficial for the heart chakra because it bestows friendship and good luck on people. This gemstone has strong spiritual vibes, which is why it is often used in chakra ceremonies to remove negative energy and promote harmony overall. Since jade symbolizes nurturing, serenity, and purity, it is often associated with the heart chakra as an ability to dispel negativity and magnetize love.

Jade is associated with the Pisces zodiac sign, which falls partially in the month of March. Some astrologists also believe that the overlapping virtues of Pisces and Aires make jade an astral birthstone for people born from March 21 – 23.

Jade is particularly beneficial for other zodiac signs as well, including Libra, Gemini, and Taurus. The use of jade can help people with these zodiac signs find more self-assurance and be more grounded in their decisions.

The traditional birthstone for the month of March is aquamarine. However, some people use jade as an alternative to this birthstone because of the tranquil, green color of the gemstone. In fact, jade as a birthstone dates back to the Tibetan calendar as the birthstone for March.

Whether you are looking for a beautiful gemstone or seeking the metaphysical and emotional benefits, jade is a great choice. Not only is this gemstone beautiful, but it has been used for many years as a healing stone that helps with emotional balancing and promotes overall health.

A: The color of jade gemstones is influenced by the minerals within the gemstone. Chromium is commonly the mineral that makes jade green. Jade can develop other colors when other minerals get between the grains. For example, if you see jade with orange hues, it is because of the iron oxide within the stone.

A: The price of this gemstone depends on the type of jade you choose. Factors that influence the price of jade include the color, texture, transparency, clarity, craftsmanship, and artistry. Because jade is a rare gemstone that contains exquisite beauty, it can be expensive. Additionally, the durable properties of jade add to the value.

A: Imperial jade (also known as emerald green jade) is known as the rarest shade of jade. It has a bright, vivid hue of green with just a small undertone of blue. This color is believed to be the most precious and valuable and is highly sought after, especially in China.

A: When you wear jade close to the skin for an extended period of time, such as jade jewelry, it can start to absorb the liquids, oils, and dirt from your skin. Over time, you might notice that these impurities cause the jade to darken in color. The stone can eventually turn black or brown.

A: Even though green is the primary color of jade, this gemstone can vary in color. Jade stone colors include many different shades of green, as well as yellow, orange, lavender, and white.

A: Jade maintains the same color by itself. However, physical changes can occur depending on the environment where the gemstone is being kept.

A: How much is jade stone? Typically, jade stones are relatively affordable. But certain types of jade can be pretty expensive. For example, people have paid as much as $3 million per carat for imperial jadeite, making it the second-most valuable gemstone in the world. A blue diamond has a higher value than this type of jade, but other types of diamonds are cheaper.

A: The best way to determine the quality of a jade gemstone is to consult with an industry expert. An evaluation can determine the quality and pricing based on the texture, translucency, color, and more. If there are impurities or inclusions in the stone, these problems will reduce the quality and price of the gemstone.

A: If you notice that your stone is glowing, then it is likely an indication that dyes were used to enhance the color. Low-quality jade is sometimes treated with a polymer injection to make it more aesthetically pleasing. Natural jade contains chromium impurities, which do not have any fluorescence properties. If you can see that jade is glowing under a blacklight, then you probably have a B-grade or C-grade gemstone.

A: Scientists have successfully synthesized jadeite, but they have not been able to create nephrite in the lab. Even though it is possible to create jade in a lab, it is not common. Jadeite isn’t produced commercially. If you buy a jade-like stone that is a synthetic product (either in jewelry or as a loose stone), then it is likely a different material created to imitate jade.