Tracing the history of cooling and healing jade

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.