Jadeite Jade

Jadeite has been used throughout the millennium by many different cultures as weapons and tools. Recently a discovery in Guatemala shows that an extensive trade route was formed throughout Central and South America dating before Spanish colonial rule. When the Spaniards invaded the Mayans these valued jadeite mines were hidden until modern history, when a hurricane swept through part of Guatemala to reintroduce itself to the world.

Jadeite is a harder stone than nephrite. The first distinction between the nephrite and jadeite was made in the late 1700′s when the subtle differences between the two stones were identified. Nephrite, a more plentiful type of jade, comes out of many areas all over the world from China to the United States and Canada. Jadeite is found in far fewer locations. Two of the most important of these locations are Burma (Myanmar) and Guatemala.

Jadeite is a purer form of jade, is more expensive in price and famous for its gem qualities.

Jadeite’s Mineral Composition

Jadeite is a pyroxene mineral and is monoclinic. It rates as a 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale of hardness (compared to 6-6.5 for nephrite). It is a dense mineral with the specific gravity of around 3.4.

Jadeite is formed in metamorphic rocks under high pressures and low temperatures. It is formed in the common mineral Albite which through increasing pressures breaks down to form jadeite and quartz.

Jadeite appears to form from subduction zone fluids with serpentine. It is very resistant to weathering and boulders of it are released in areas with in serpentine.

The colors of Jadeite

Jadeite forms in a wide arrangement of colors unlike its counterpart, nephrite. The colors range from white in its purest form to apple and deep greens, the famous Olmec Blues of Guatemala, pink, lavender and others. Color is affected by the range of trace elements found in the surrounding soils such as iron which adds reds and other darker colors to chromium.

Translucence varies by each specimen. Currently the best gem quality specimens come out of Burma in commercial amounts but also California, New Zealand and Guatemala. Other locations in which jadeite can be found are Russia, Canada, Alaska and others.

Jadeite is considered more valuable than nephrite and its most prized color is the most vivid and intense green and translucent varieties, though historically white jade was the most valued by the Chinese for its pure qualities. Olmec blue jade is becoming another highly valued variety of jadeite and is characterized by its deep, blue-green color which a translucent hue and white flecks. This is due to the Olmecs jade historical uses by the ancient cultures of Central and South America.

Related posts:

1. Nephrite
2. Black Jade
3. How to Identify Jade

The name pyroxene comes for the Greek words fire and stranger. This group of minerals, which includes jadeite, is so named because of its presence in areas of volcanic activity. They are simply early forming minerals which crystallize before lava erupts.

The upper mantle of the Earth is mainly composed of these minerals (pyroxene) and olivine. It also includes the major minerals in basalt and gabbro.

Related posts:

1. Jadeite
2. Nephrite
3. Black Jade

Nephrite is a variety of a calcium and magnesium-rich amphibole mineral actinolite (which also makes up a certain form of asbestos). The chemical formula of nephrite jade is Ca₂(Mg,Fe)₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂. Its crystal habitat is massive and it is of the monoclinic crystal system.

Nephrite jade takes on a high polish which is vitreous to greasy. Its fracture is splintery to granular. Nephrite has a refractive index is 1.606 to 1.632.

The Hardness and Toughness Of Nephrite

Nephrite is more common than its harder counterpart, jadeite. Though it is softer (measuring a 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, compared to the 6.5-7 of jadeite) it is actually a much tougher stone. Hardness is an attribute measured by how easily it can be scratched. A diamond measures the hardest on this scale at a 10, it can scratch anything while it cant be scratched by anything other than another diamond. Both nephrite and jadeite are harder than steel, if you can scratch a stone with a knife it is not jade.

Toughness measures the brittleness or the ability of a material (or in this case a mineral) to break. According to the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources of British Columbia the fracture strength of nephrite is about 200 MN/m2 whereas that of jadeite is about 100 MN/m2 which is an impressive quality of nephrite. It is commonly known as the toughest natural mineral on earth.

Types of Nephrite and Their Colors

The color of nephrite can vary depending on its source and quality. Commonly it is envisioned as an imperial green stone yet can hold almost any shade of green, blue, red, orange, black, white, violet, orange, brown and yellow.

Various colors of nephrite jade are unique to their individual sources such as the rust colored vulcan Big Sur jade which can be various colors of brown, red, yellow and orange.

Certain shades of green are also unique depending on the areas of the world it is found, one example of which is the gem quality polar jade of British Columbia (you can read an amazing article about Polar Jade over at Timeless Jade).

As nephrite is found all over the world and in greater amounts than jadeite, it is less valuable and less expensive except for the finest of specimens. Some high quality nephrite jade does appear in some locations such as in Big Sur, California and in parts of British Columbia. Some specimens of nephrite jade from these areas are among the finest quality specimens in the world.

One unique specimen of nephrite jade comes out of Big Sur and is known as botryoidal jade. This type of jade is commonly known as bubble jade and is formed in nodes within serpentine.

History Of Nephrite

Throughout history nephrite jade has been utilized in a wide variety of ways. Some of these include as funeral ornaments, weapons, jewelry and as a ward against kidney ailments. It has been utilized for thousands of years by various cultures.

One ancient legend from China states that in the beginning of time man was put on earth and was plagued by all of the wild animals of the world. The gods sympathized with man and cast jade axes from the heavens onto the earth for them to find. This stone was henceforth called the stone of heaven.

Another legend surrounding nephrite comes from China. According to the tale a man named Bian He found a stone which he believed to be of high quality nephrite jade. He approached King Li of Chu with his find, who was unbelieving that the stone was actually jade and had one of Bian He’s legs cut off for playing him false. Once King Li passed Bian once again approached the ruler of Chu, King Wu, with his find. King Wu also believed that Bian He was playing him false and had his other leg cut off.

Bian He was not deterred. King Wu soon passed on and the new ruler King Wen was approached by Bian He, who god only knows his reluctance to show off his find. King Wen, actually believing that the stone was true jade, immediately sent off the find to his royal sculptors. To the sculptors amazement the stone was of the highest quality white nephrite which rivaled the value of all other pieces of jade and was the envy of many. The piece was soon called the He Shi Bi or The Jade Disk of He.

There are many legends revolving around this historical piece of jade. More can be found on our Chinese jade page. To paraphrase the rest of the legend the piece soon became the Imperial Seal of China and unfortunately due to a long history of wars and battles surrounding this singular piece of jade it has been lost to history.

Another specimen of nephrite jade rivals all others, this is known as the Nephripod which was discovered by Donn Wobber off the coast of Big Sur. His memoir Jade Beneath the Sea: A Diving Adventure tells of his discovery and excavation of a 9,000 pound bolder of nephrite in the 1970′s, which is now located in the Oakland Museum.

Value of Nephrite Jade

The value of nephrite can be relatively modest depending on its quality. Some attributes that can affect its price are its color, translucency, natural patterns, the location from where it originates and sometimes by the artist which carves it. High quality nephrite can be relatively expensive though should only be purchased through trusted dealers.

Though nephrite is a fairly common stone there are many fakes that are made out of various materials, as well as artificial colorings made by dyes and chemical treatments. Other stones are commonly mistaken for jade such as serpentine and soapstone. Care should be taken when purchasing jade to ensure that it is the actual stone.

Related posts:

1. Chinese Jade
2. Jadeite
3. Big Sur Jade

There are many changes coming to Jade Hunt in the very near future. You might have noticed that we are now offering jade for sale at our new jade jewelry shop. All jade jewelry for sale is made by hand and with high grade nephrite jade.

Our New Blog

We have also started a blog for the site, which this is to first post to. We are excited about the new shop and will be adding many more items in the following weeks. We will also be adding more information to the site and are undergoing many website design changes as well.

Some Coming Improvements

We will be adding more pages to the site with information about our favorite stone, Jade. Some other improvements in the future will be:

• A User Forum
• User blogs (YOU can write about jade!)
• Tips on carving and working on jade
• And much, much more!

Make sure to keep an eye out on some of the new features which will be coming soon to Jade Hunt!

Related posts:

1. White Jade
2. What is Jade?
3. Green Jade

1. Who are the Maori?
2. The Maori’s Meaning of Jade
3. The History of Maori Jade
4. Modern Maori Jade
5. Types of Maori Jade
6. New Zealand Jade

Maori jade is a common name for the type of jade found in New Zealand that is treasured and carved by the native Maori of the island. The Maori call this jade Pounamu, which not only absorbs the spiritual strength of its wearer, but also has a never ending desire to return to is original home in rivers and mountains.

Image via Wikipedia

Who are the Maori?

In order to fully understand the importance of Maori jade, it is equally important to know about the Maori people of New Zealand. The Maori are an indigenous Polynesian people native to the hills and beaches of New Zealand. The word “Maori” translates to “normal,” or “ordinary,” which is ironic because the intricate designs they use when sculpting jade is anything but ordinary.

When New Zealand was infiltrated by Europeans in the 1800′s the Maori society was destabilized both in population and health due to the introduction of Western illnesses and weapons. However, the peaceful society did not diminish to a great extent and even made a comeback in the 1960′s. Today there is a large population of full-blooded Maori as well as Maori and European intermarriages resulting in children with Maori ancestry.

The Maori’s Meaning of Jade

The Maori consider jade as a taonga, or “treasure,” and were able to get it protected under the Treaty of Waitangi. Under this treaty the Maori are given rights to land and other properties, such as jade. Under this treaty the stone is protected under various restrictions from those who do see the gravity of its value as the Maori do.

The History of Maori Jade

Historically, like other cultures, the Maori took advantage of the strong stone to use as tools and weapons as well as jewelry. Like women in Chinese families who passed down Chinese jade jewelry through their generations, the Maori also handed down pieces of jade as valued heirlooms.

Jade was often used as a sign of victory in battles. Warriors would wear jade around their necks as a good luck charm before entering into a battle. The warrior men of competing tribes would fight to the death and then the victor would take the jade off the loser’s neck and keep it for himself. He would also claim stake to the jade that the failing warrior’s wife would wear, and give it to his wife to prove their family victory.

Modern Maori Jade

Often Maori jade is called the “greenstone” because jade from New Zealand is various shades of green. It is a common misconception that black jade is also found in New Zealand because there are many Maori pendants carved into black jade. Black jade is often used for Maori jewelry because it is found in South Australia.

Image via Wikipedia

Types of Maori Jade

There are different types of the “greenstone” found in New Zealand. The Maori have given different names to each form of pounamu:

• Inanga (Whitebait): Very pale green.
• Totoweka: Very rare form of Greenstone – streaked or spotted with red.
• Kohuwai: Called after the greenish moss growth in a slow running stream.
• Kawa-kawa: Has a strong green color with varying shades throughout.
• Kako-Tea: Dark green with black spots.
• Kahurangi: Bright green with light streaks resembling rolling clouds.

The unique patterns of Maori art is illuminated through the pounamu found in the mountains and rivers. A-symmetrical spirals accented with sharp angles can be found through a piece of jade that has been carved by a Maori native. A few designs such as the “hei matua (fish hook), the tiki (representing man), and the manaia (serpent form)” that have been carved for centuries are replicated today on jade stones, wood, paua shell, and even bone to make beautiful earrings, necklaces, or even sculptures.

New Zealand Jade

New Zealand jade is found on the South Westland or Westland area of the island. There is even a town called Hokitika, New Zealand, on the West side of the island that is considered the Jade capital of New Zealand.

Between the beach and the Arahura river, this area of New Zealand is rich with jade. In the past, natives found their taonga (treasures) in and around Hokitika and would travel the island trading what they had found.

Today Hokitika is the jade haven of New Zealand because there are many artists who carve, collect, and make jewelry out of the native pounamu. It is a tourist attraction because not only are there abundant resources of jade to be appreciated and even purchased here in Hokitika, but also there are workshops where a tourist can go and make their own unique piece of art out of the native jade.

Maori jade has proven to be timeless, and its worth is still seen today from the necks of the natives to the necks of traveling tourists.

Resources:
Wikipedia
Jade Factory
Maori Source
Hokitika

Related posts:

1. Jadeite
2. Jade Necklace
3. Nephrite

A Bi Pi Disc is a doughnut-like shape where the piece of jade is more flat than a nugget and is carved into a hollow circle.

There are various forms of the beaded jade necklace. There are some necklaces strung with different colored jade beads which bring variety and liveliness to the necklace.

Then there is the continuous strand of the same color jade, be it white, green, or black jade. Jade pendants can be found in many necklaces, some sharing the same strand with other stones or metals to form appealing designs.

There are also simple designs with jade to accommodate both males and females where a jade nugget will be the only stone hanging from a piece of black waxed cord.

In China, it is extremely common to see people wearing jade as jewelry, be it a jade bangle, earrings, or the jade Bi Pi Disc on a red string dangling around their neck. It is common to see jade necklaces on the Chinese because not only do they believe that the stone is more valuable than gold, but their superstitions insinuate jade as a magnet to health, luck, prosperity, and safety.

China is not the only place where you see people wear jade necklaces. South America, North America, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia are just a few continents and countries where a large portion of the populations not only appreciate jade but wear jade necklaces on a regular basis. For instance, if you head to the central coast of California you will find men and women of all ages wearing nuggets of Big Sur jade hanging from chains or black cord.

South American jade as well as New Zealand jade is often carved into intricate designs that are delicately strung around different necklace materials that are worn by both men and women.

Like any piece of jade, be it a small gem or a large monument, jade necklaces range in price from twenty dollars to close to one million dollars. For instance The Bead Site recorded “a jadeite necklace of thirty beads sold at Christie’s Hong Kong for $942,308, or $31,410 per bead” in April, 1998.

The price not only depends on the value of the actual piece of jadeite or nephrite but also the labor and work put into the piece of jade. The various designs and detail can take weeks to perfect along with cleaning and polishing.

Jade necklaces are very popular around the globe for men, women, and children.

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• the pivotal piece of ultrachic (recycleemail.com)
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1. Maori Jade
2. Chinese Jade
3. Jadeite

Jade enthusiasts believe that it is a stone with a soul and can not be compared to diamonds and other precious stones. So what make jade a quality stone?

The quality of jade can be determined by its density, color, translucency, texture, luster and cutting.

Density

The density of jade is one of the main determining factors of its quality.

Color

Jade’s color ranges from green to white, black to blue and various shades of red, orange and yellow just to name a few.

The most desirable colors of jade are the deep emerald greens of imperial jade. White and lavender jade are also highly regarded for their rarity.

Translucency and Transparency

Jade ranges from translucent to near opaque. The highest quality jade is transparent and is compared to the consistency and clarity of honey.

Texture

Jade’s texture is another determining factor of its quality. It ranges from fine to coarse. Jade takes on a high polish which gives it a very smooth texture. The highest quality jade is clear and has little to no impurities.

Tone

The tone describes the specific quality of a color grade. The most desirable tones are those that give a clarity that is penetrating from a distance.

Cutting

This determines the cutting and shaping of the stone. Most jade is used in cabochons and carved pieces.

The Most Desirable Jade

Related posts:

1. How to Identify Jade
2. What is Jade?
3. Nephrite

True jade can be one of two different minerals, nephrite and jadeite.

Nephrite

Nephrite is the original jade known to the Chinese as the stone of heaven. It is much more common of the two forms of jade and therefore is much more affordable.

Nephrite is the softer of the two jades ranking about a 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. This means that nephrite is harder than steel and can not be scratched by it.

Some sources say that nephrite is found in fewer varieties of color than jadeite. Judging just by the many colors of Big Sur Jade I find this not to be true. Big Sur jade comes in all of the colors which sources say jadeite comes in.

Jadeite

Jadeite on the other hand is a higher quality and harder version of jade. It is much rarer and comes out of Burma in commercial amounts. Jadeite has also been discovered in Guatemala and also is found in small amounts in other parts of the world.

Jadeite can occur in the many different colors of jade; red, green, blue, white, black and lavender to mention a few. As jadeite is the harder of the two stones it ranks at around a 7 on the Mohs scale. Jadeite is also harder than steel which means that it can no be scratched by it.

Jade Treatments

Some jade is waxed. Nephrite jade is also known to be treated and sold as jadeite.

Some jade is also heated to intensify its color.

Fake Jade

Serpentine, treated quartz, plastic and even glass is sometimes even passed off as true jade. Remember that just because it is green does not mean that it is jade. Jade, ‘Yu’, in Chinese actually just means green stone though today the term jade refers to either nephrite or jadeite.

Your best bet to identify jade it to bring it to a reputable dealer or geologist.

So, how do you know if your jade is real?

Jade can be translucent to transparent to opaque. The main identifying factor for jade is its depth. Jade is a stone which you can see into.

The most desirable jade is that with uniform color throughout the stone. Green is also very desirable though other colors can be even rarer and precious.

There are also a few other ways to identify jade:

1. Air Bubbles – Look into the stone. If you can see any air bubbles then it is NOT jade. Air bubbles mean that the stone is actually not a stone at all and is treated glass. Jade will not have air bubbles.
2. Weight – Jade is DENSE. You can feel the weight of the stone. Nephrite and jadeite are both heavier than glass.
3. Hardness – The hardness of jade is also another way to identify the stone. Since nephrite is a 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale and jadeite is a 7 neither can be scratched by steel.
4. Condenser - Jade is a great condenser of heat and cool. My absolute favourite method to test jade is the the ‘hair’ test. Wrap a piece of hair tightly around the jade (I have found the the longer the hair the better). Use the flame from a lighter and wave it underneath the hair. If the hair burns it is not jade. If left unburned then the stone is actually jade. This happens because the jade absorbs and disperses the heat of the flame.
5. Coolness – Also goes with the above point but many Burmese enthusiasts can be seen touching jade to their cheeks to feel its temperature. This was to determine its authenticity. You can also feel it in your hand for its coolness.
6. Sound – Jade lets off an amazing tone when hit with other stones, metal and glass. This is actually also one of the ways to determine if the stone is A, B or C quality jade because the denser the stone the more pleasant and resonating the sound is. The end of the following video gives a great example of this test. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaHaTPRzH9U
7. Texture – The texture of the stone also is a great indicator of if it is true jade. Jade can take on a high polish. Run your fingernail across the stone. If it feels bumpy than it is probably not jade.
8. Strength – This probably can be categorized under density but jade is very strong. It is hard to break or chip.

Jade has a shine and luster to it unlike any other stone. You have to look at it in the sunlight to really appreciate its beauty.

Related posts:

1. Nephrite
2. Jadeite
3. How to Find Big Sur Jade At Jade Cove

In addition to carrying the generic properties of Green Jade, White Jade directs energy in the most constructive way possible. It filters distractions to achieve optimum results and assists in decision-making as it accesses all relevant information. It is the purest jade stone.

White jade consists of actinolite which consists of both calcium and magnesium.

White nephrite jade that is not very translucent is also known as mutton fat jade and sometimes has a slight yellow color (usually from iron oxide). An opaque white jade or slightly brown or grey jade is sometimes known as chicken bone jade. Lapidary quality white nephrite comes out of China and other locations, commercial quantities coming from Canada.

Jadeite can also be of a white variety the white color coming from sodium aluminum silicate rich form of pyroxene. White jadeite is very rare and valuable.

The Imperial Seal of China, the He Shi Bi, was a relic with historical importance in China and was white nephrite.

Carp made out of White Nephrite Jade from the Qing Dynasty 1655-1911CE, China. (Released under the creative commons license)

Source: USA, China, Italy, Myanmar (Burma), Russia, Middle East

Hardness: 6

Chakra (of white jade): Third Eye

Zodiac: Gemini

Planet: Venus

Benificial for: Longetivity, self-sufficiancy, detoxification, filtration, elimination, kidneys, supraneal glands, cellular and skeletal systems, stitches, fertility, childbirth, hips, spleen, water-salt-alkaline ratio

White stones help with problem solving.

Related posts:

1. Many Changes Coming To Jade Hunt
2. Jade Color
3. Blue Jade

Kinds of Black Jade

There are many different colors in which jade can appear. These colors of jade can be red, black, brown, blue, the rare lavender and the priceless white jade (just to mention a few).

Jade also comes in two different varieties and these are nephrite and jadeite. These two forms of jade appear similar and are both very dense finely grained stones but come from different mineralogical groups.

The colors of these stone can vary depending on the amounts of iron oxide and magnesium. Iron rich varieties of jade are darker in color from dark green jade to grey-green jade, red jade, orange jade all the way to black jade. Iron rich black Cowell jade can contain almost 8% iron oxide!

Jade that has less iron oxide therefore have more magnesium and are lighter in color. These can be white, light green and lavender.

Big Sur Ocean-Polished Black Jade. Image provided by {link:http://pacificjadeart.com/gallery.htm}Pacific Jade Art{/link}.

Black Jade Color

Black Jade is a lovely, dark version of the multi-colored stone. The black color of jade comes from high amounts of iron and/or graphite.

Black Nephrite Jade

Nephrite jade is a common form of jade found all over the world. Nephrite jade belongs to the amphibole group of minerals and has a hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale.

Though nephrite is softer than jadeite it is actually much tougher. Nephrites fracture strength is about 200 MN/m2 whereas jadeites is about 100 MN/m2. This can be an explanation of why nephrite jade is commonly known as the “toughest natural stone on earth”.

This form of the jade stone has been used for thousands of years because of its valued toughness and density which is the reason it has been used for everything from weapons to tools.

When the term toughness is used it is in regards to how brittle a material is. This is a large difference from the term ‘hardness’ used for stones which relates to how easily a mineral or material scratches.

Nephrite jade is a tough stone because of its finely interlocked fibers. These are actually microscopic needle-like crystals which bind the stone together. These fine needles are randomly grouped together where the best quality nephrite has a large amount of. When these small crystals are more coarse the jade is less tough.

jadeite“>Black Jadeite

Jadeite is a harder jade which is found in fewer locations throughout the world. It is rarer and in effect can be much more expensive than nephrite jade. Jadeite belongs to the pyroxene group of minerals.

Where is black jade from?

Black jade can be found all over the world from California and Wyoming, Canada, Southern Australia, Taiwan, Burma, Guatemala and other locations.

Where is black nephrite found?

Black nephrite is the most common stone of the two varieties of jade (as is all nephrite when compared to jadeite). Black nephrite comes out of California, Wyoming, Canada, Southern Australia and Taiwan.

Nephrite is often called the “most dense natural stone on earth”.

jadeite-found”>Where is black jadeite found?

Black jadeite comes out of Burma and Guatemala. Jadeite is the hardest and rarest of the two types of jade.

Black Big Sur Jade

Black is a semi-common color of Big Sur jade. This is found among the coves and cliffs of the jade cove area. Big Sur jade is of the nephrite variety.

Black Taiwan Jade

Black jade is also found in Taiwan. Taiwan jade is of the nephrite variety of jade. It is also known as Fongtian jade.

New research shows that Taiwan was a center point for sea based trade in the prehistoric world. This same research shows that there is a very distinct type of jade earring that was distributed throughout Southern Asia. These have been found to have been made from Taiwanese jade.

Discovery.Com states:

Of 144 jade artifacts from 49 sites the researchers analyzed using non-invasive scanning equipment, 116 specimens from 38 sites were made from Taiwan jade.
“This is very strong evidence that ancient populations in different regions had very frequent contact and communication,” said Hung, of the university’s Department of Archaeology and Natural History. She says this shows contact between Taiwan and the Philippines stretches back 4000 years.

When this study is compared to that of Guatemalan jade (which was recently discovered to be distributed throughout Mesoamerica and was traded through extensive trade routes) it becomes apparent that jade has been revered by many cultures throughout time.

Black Canadian Jade

Canadian, or British Columbian Jade, is contains some of the best quality nephrite in the world. The jade from this location can be various shades of green with black flecks inside of it, which can be quite beautiful.

Black Burmese Jade

Burmese jade can be the very rare black. This is of the jadeite variety and is extremely valuable.

Black Wyoming Jade

Wyoming jade can also be black in color. This is a beautiful stone and is of the nephrite variety of jade.

Black Maori Jade

Maori pendants are sometimes made with the black jade stone. There is a common misconception that these pendants are actually Maori jade which is false. The black nephrite jade that is used in Maori pendants is actually from Southern Australia.

Black Australian Jade

Black Australian jade was first discovered in 1965 by Harry Schiller while prospecting his farm. Well over 100 different outcroppings of Australian nephrite have now been discovered.

South Australian nephrite comes in three commercial grade colors; green, black and premium black nephrite. This jade is commonly called Cowell jade.

To date about 3,000 tons of nephrite has been produced in Southern Australia.

To find out more about black Australian nephrite check out PIRSA Minerals on Black Nephrite at the Southern Australian Governments website.

Black Guatemalan Jade

One of the most exciting discoveries for jade enthusiasts if the finding of jadeite in Guatemala. Black jadeite is now being found in Guatemala as well. These ancient mines were once lost after Spanish invasion are now being rediscovered.

The following is a quote from the Lapidary Journal on Guatemalan jade.

Guatemala is now producing the world’s newest jadeite colors, including “rainbow jadeite” (several colors in one slab or boulder). Ward is particularly fond of the black jadeite. “Black jadeite from the Motagua Valley area,” he says, “represents the creamiest, richest, and best black jadeite in the world, far exceeding Burma’s darkest, which is gray and can only be sold as charcoal.”

What gives black jade its color?

The black color comes from both graphite and iron oxide in the stone. It is actually considered to be a very deep green but because of the high iron content, it appears black. This is why when one sees black jade there is often a slightly recognizable green hue. This green hue is seen mostly through any parts of the jade that might be transparent when put in front of light. This transparency is usually found in the edges of the given piece, which seem to glow a very dark green. As these pieces of jade are very black you tend not to be able to see through most of the stone.

Black Jade Meaning

The meaning of black jade has been attributed to the properties of protection, power and control (of ones self).

Black Jade Properties

The metaphysical properties of black jade consist of offering protection from negativity and fostering the wise use of power. As with all black stones, black jade gives protection for attack and helps us to control our greed or need for control by instilling wisdom in the use of personal power.
Some sources say Black jade is a stone to purify and cleanse one’s energies. It is said to be capable of discharging any amount of negative energy, and able to keep all negative energies in one’s surroundings away from the wearer.

When holding a jade stone in your hand, one may experience feelings of calmness or serenity. Others have experienced the feeling that black jade brings out the wisdom that is hidden in each of us.

Black jade has also been said to have water energy that brings the flow of the water element to focus on your potential.

• Chakra (of black jade): This color of jade is known to be associated with the root or base chakras.
• Zodiac: The zodiac sign associated with this stone is Taurus.
• Planet: The planet that is symbolized in this stone is Venus.
• Beneficial for: Black jade is calming, helps with reflection and prayer, gives protection against negative energy, is a grounding stone and is used to channel power.
• The Color Black: The color black is related to power, grounding, fearlessness, confidence, solidity. Black is technically not a color at all and instead absorbs color which explains its relation to power.
• Chakra (of the color black): Black does not belong to a specific chakra. It is considered the color of all the chakras or as the chakras less mentioned such as the 12th chakra located below the feet or an upper chakra located high above the head.

Update:
1/7/09 – Due to the popularity of this article we have updated it with much more information as well as links to other references on the popular black jade stone. Feel free to browse the site and learn more about the jade stone. Below is a list of the most related pages to this one which you might be interested in.

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