WHAT IS JADE
There are two different types of jade – nephrite and jadeite. High grades of both are sought after by collectors and are used for jewellery and decoration.
 Nephrite Jade
Geologically, nephrite is a carbon silicate with iron, magnesium, chrome and calcium. Due to its interlocking fibrous structure, nephrite jade rarely breaks and is the toughest natural material known. It can vary from green and white through to swirling greens to black. The amount of iron within the rock determines its colour,
which ranges from white (no iron) to green - the more iron is present,
the deeper the green.
Nephrite jade is also found in Australia, China, Russia, California, South America and New Zealand. However, the largest deposits are found in British Columbia, Canada. Coincidentally, British Columbia is the world’s largest producer of nephrite. Nephrite from this province is world-renowned as being the hardest, clearest, and greenest nephrite mined.
Jadeite
Jadeite is a silicate of sodium and aluminum, and is mined in mainly in Burma, Guatemala, and Russia. Structurally, jadeite is composed to interlocking crystals, which makes it less tough, but harder than nephrite. Whereas iron is the cause of nephrite’s green colour,
in jadeite, this is due to the presence of chromium. In addition to
green, jadeite can also be found in shades of white, brown, grey, blue,
orange, red, black, and lavender.
What unusual qualities does jade possess?
Jade is said to possess all the virtues. It is also tough, translucent, smooth and coll to touch. Early civilization used articles of jade for ceremonial purposes , weapons and supernatural talismans. Jade has been credited with preventing disease and used as medicine. It is considered good luck to give and to possess. It is recognized as the gem of Alaska, the Yukon and British Columbia. It is also the 35th wedding anniversary gem.
Reference: Ward, Fred. 1996. Jade. Gem Book Publishers, Bethesda, Maryland. >
Buying Jade
There is no agreement on one standard for judging the quality of jade. Due to its enormous range of shades, it becomes a matter of personal taste. However, there are some points to keep in mind when buying
jade:
1) Colour - Bright apple green is highly sought after
2) Translucency – Usually, a high degree of translucency is desired
3) No fractures – Cracks indicates an inferior stone
CARE
Jade is extremely durable and lasts thousands of years. Periodic dusting with a soft cloth is all that’s
required to keep it looking bright and polished. You may use furniture polish or baby oil to maintain the lustre, but be sure to keep water away from the polished areas.
We’re sure you will enjoy your jade piece for decades to come.
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