Jade
In 1863, Jade — a green gemstone that was known to exist for seven thousand years— was proven to consistof two separate and distinct minerals: Jadeite and Nephrite. Nephrite is the more common Jade. Despite their different properties, the term Jade is used to describe both of these lovely gemstones. Jadeite is also known to have three species: Imperial Jade (not to be confused with Imperial Jasper) is emerald-green—and translucent to almost transparent. It is considered the most desired variety of Jade. Chloromelanite is a combination of Jadeite, Albite, Feldspar, and other minerals. It's color is a deep translucent to opaque green with dark green-to-black spots or veins. Metaphysical essence: Inner-peace, self awareness and realization, prosperity and luck.
There are other types of stones with trade names that are indistinguishable from Jade except to the most trained and discerning eye.
There are other types of stones with trade names that are indistinguishable from Jade except to the most trained and discerning eye.
- Yunan-Jade is often found interlayered with another green stone called Serpentine.
- Serpentine Jade also has several varieties:
- Indian Jade, which is actually the tradename for Aventurine (which has lovely, glistening mica inclusions).
- Russian Jade (also called Russian Serpentine) are trade names for a spinach-green Nephrite.
- Wyoming Jade is the trade name for Nephrite from (you guessed it!) Wyoming. Wyoming Jade is a green-colored stone composed of Tremolite with Albite.
- Columbian Jade (Nephrite) is the trade name for a stone that ranges in color from light to dark green, with small, dark specks or veins. The black inclusions are thought to be either Iron or Pyrite - or a combination. It has translucent and opaque qualities, and a slightly crystalline grainy appearance with striking black spots or veins—all features found in natural Jadeite and Chloromelanite. Columbian Jade, despite its trade name, also might be a translucent variety of Serpentine. It is mined in Canada in the Green Mountain of British Columbia.
