Green jade bracelet from Canada (nephrite) A (3-4mm balls)

Jade is a stone that is not a precious stone, but it has been worshiped, used and sculpted by multiple civilizations for around eight millennia.

For many years, jade was one and the same stone. However, in 1863, Alexis Damour (1808-1902), a French mineralogist, differentiated three kinds of minerals under the name jade and dissociated them. These three minerals have very distinct characteristics.

The first of these minerals is called jadeite. It belongs to the silicate family and more precisely to the pyroxene group (minerals of the inosilicate group, components of magmatic and metamorphic rocks). This is the most precious, dense and rare jade.

Its color is generally white or gray. It is rather transparent in appearance. Its shades and opacity differ depending on the inclusions it has. The most common color is more or less dark green. It varies according to its content of titanium, manganese, or chromium. However, jadeite can also be pink, orange or purple in color. It has the highest hardness of jades, being between 6 and 7 on the Mohs scale.

The second of these minerals is nephrite. Nephrite is found in greater quantities than jadeite. It is essentially composed of basic magnesium and calcium silicate with the presence of ferric iron. Nephrite can be translucent, white or very slightly yellow, opaque, brown or gray to green and present all shades of green.

More precisely, nephrite is a rock made up of amphibole (iron and magnesium silicate) of green, black or brown color, or of actinolite (ferromagnesian mineral of the silicate family). It has a hardness of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. It is less hard than jadeite, but it still allows the manufacture of tools, jewelry or ornamental objects.

The third of these minerals is kosmochlor, which is the rarest jade. It has a composition close to jadeite and belongs to the silicate family and the pyroxene group. Depending on its content of impurities and their nature, it has an emerald green hue, more or less intense. It may have traces of titanium, aluminum, iron, manganese, calcium, potassium and phosphorus.

Kosmochlor comes from where a meteorite fell in Toluca, Mexico. This jade comes from space. Moreover, its name comes from the German “kosmische” meaning cosmic. “Chlor” comes from the Greek “khlôros” which designates the color green.

It was the Portuguese who brought back jade at the end of the 15th century. In fact, they had settled in Canton in China. This mineral then bears the name “piedra de ijada” which translates to flank stone. This name illustrates the healing power of this stone on kidney pain, i.e. nephritic pain.

We find in certain Latin texts the name lapis nephreticus which evokes jade. The French discovered this stone in the 17th century and named it “éjade”. Subsequently, the “e” will disappear and the mineral will become jade.

Jade objects have been found dating back around 5,000 years. Jade then became a sacred stone during Chinese prehistory. The deceased belonging to the elite are buried with jade. Jade represented absolute power and Chinese emperors wore a jade scepter during important ceremonies.

The Greeks owned jade from birth to death. They also used it to soothe and heal their wounds. In New Zealand, the Maori made tools, weapons and jewelry from jade.

The main deposits of jade are located in Canada, Thailand, China, Russia, and the United States.

Nephrite jade is a stone of balance and energy. It balances our emotions by allowing us to free ourselves from the anxieties buried deep within us. This provides relief, calm and a feeling of lightness.

Indeed, it generates confidence and a certain kindness towards oneself. It allows us to detach ourselves from accumulated trauma and gives way to the positive emotions that surround us. It helps to find inner peace. Once the mind is freed, tranquility sets in.

Nephrite jade is strongly recommended for people who are weakened, overly nervous and easily exhausted. It is an energy stone that restores vitality. It frees the mind from guilt, allows us to move away from the judgment of others. It gives wisdom and facilitates openness towards others without preconceptions.

This mineral improves the body's endurance and diffuses serenity. It is ideal for meditation and promotes introspection. Nephrite jade is said to be a stone of honesty towards oneself and others. It helps you know yourself better and have a better understanding of yourself.

In the event of a breakup or loss of a loved one, wearing a nephrite jade gives the strength to overcome wounds and moral suffering. It stabilizes emotions and calms pain. Nephrite jade allows you to move forward after difficult trials.