Tracing the history of cooling and healing jade

By Roland M. Sutrisno

JAKARTA (JP): Jade, the precious green stone popular in Chinese culture, is believed to be able to heal, sooth and bring peace.

Precious stone buffs love it not only for its color, but also for the way it refracts light, which is quite different from other gems. The color of the gem ranges from dark green to pale green.

Green, however, is not the sole color of jade as it also comes in brown, red and white.

Many believe jade originated in China. In Spain it is called piedra de yjada. In Latin it is known as lapis nephriticus. In the English it is known as a stone of loin" or jade.

In the Middle Ages, jade was called jadeit or nephrite.

Jade and nephrite resemble each other, however, upon closer observation the two stones are different in terms of their chemical content.

Jadeit is made of sodium aluminum silicate with the chemical formula NaAlSi2O6, while nephrite is made of calcium magnesium silicate with the formula Ca2(Mg,Fe)5(Si4011)2(OH0 2,9112).

Jade is also known for its hardness. On Moh's scale, jade's strength measures between 6.5 and 7, while nephrite gets only 6.

The specific gravity of nephrite is between 2.9 and 3.1. Jade has a specific gravity of between 3/1 and 3/5. The refraction index of jade and nephrite ranges between 1.62 and 1.66.

Jade was used to in axes, coins, decorations and weapons. The Huang Ti dynasty of the 27th century BC in China used jade in weapons. In the late Chou dynasty, jade was used in decorations, and also seen in paintings of high-ranking officials.

In China, jade was also used in musical instruments that were played during religious functions.

Jade has also been discovered in Mexico and South America, where the Aztecs, Olmecs, Mayas, Mixtecs and Zapotecs used it for many purposes, as the unearthed artifacts of the Olmecs (dating back to 1500 BC) such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, masks and statues have testified.

In New Zealand, the Maoris in 1000 BC used jade as in implements, medals, wall decorations and weapons.

Belief

Many people believe jade can affect a person's daily life. A finding dating back to 1596 showed that the Chinese mixed jade in their drinks to strengthen muscles, calm the mind and improve blood circulation. Some believe jade can help you withstand hunger, thirst, cold and heat. In addition, jade is also believed to increase your energy and remove toxins.

Jade was also used to cover dead bodies as it was believed it could prevent the corpse from decomposing.

The indigenous people of Mexico even believe that jade can substitute a failing heart. Some believe that jade when drunk can heal fractured bones. Jade is also believed to be able to "save a person from the jaws of death" and bring down body temperatures.

For the Maoris of New Zealand, jade is used as an amulet to give their males strength.

Following are some properties the different varieties of jade have:

The vapor from red jade can ease emotional tension.

Blue jade makes you feel protected and prevent your patience from wearing thin.

Brown jade will make you one with nature and enhance your self-confidence, especially if it is used as a wall ornament.

White and light yellow jade will keep you calm and controlled when facing tense situations.

Orange jade is believed to give you energy and happiness.

Origin

Most nephrite in the world comes from Canada. Today, most of the jade that Taiwan and China use are from Canada. The jade mountain in Alaska was discovered in 1886. Alaska, Wyoming and California are also known as nephrite mining sites.

In New Zealand jade is found in Hokitika, a city known as the jade market of this country. In addition, jade is also found in Russia, Taiwan, Poland, India, Burma and Xinjian province in China.

Jade production is also conducted in Guatemala, Russia, San Benito County in California and near Kotaki city in Japan.

Jade and nephrite are of different value and price. Green jade and green nephrite are the most sought after among gem lovers. The most expensive and rarest jade is bright pristine green in color. Don't be surprised if the color of jade changes to a paler shade.

Beware. There are many fake jade stones. They may be covered with plastics or glass.

There are different names of jade in the world, such as Australian jade, Mexican jade, American jade, Indian jade, Korean jade, Amazonian jade, Colorado jade, Swiss jade, Fukien jade and Transvaal or Pakistani jade. All these stones, despite their similar colors, are different in terms of their chemical composition.

If you are not careful, traders may fob off Serpentine, Aventurine quartz, Green Jasper, Chrysoprase or Green Dyed Calcite as genuine jade.

Many jade stones are touted as genuine antiques although they may not be. The intricate and beautiful engravings made on jade ornaments in the olden days have been imitated and duplicated by pirates.

To ensure the jade you are buying is an antique, buy only from museum auctions. The museum can certify the stone's authenticity.

The writer is a gem lover.