Read: 161
Jade, a gemstone beloved and revered by ity for its aesthetic appeal as well as spiritual significance, has a history that spans thousands of years. Originating from various parts of the globe including Asia to South America, this precious material was used in ancient times by Stone Age societies for crafting tools, weapons, ornaments, beads, and knives.
The two minerals typically referred to as jade - jadeite and nephrite - were not distinguished until 1863 when French mineralogist Alexis Damour identified them separately. Despite this distinction, jadeite remns the rarer form of the mineral.
Jade comes in a stunning range of hues from light to dark shades of green. It is also found in various other colors including blue, brown, black, laver, white, and red. A 'creamy' white color of nephrite, known as ‘mutton fat’ jade, is particularly appreciated in Chinese culture.
Jade’s legacy dates back to pre-written history periods with its usage spreading across Asia, South America, Europe, and Central Asia through the Silk Road. Stone Age populations used it for tool-making that lasted until the Bronze Age when metalworking became widespread. Post this era, jade transitioned from practical uses like tools and weapons to decorative purposes, predominantly for jewelry.
In ancient China, jade was regarded as a symbol of good fortune and heavenly brightness due to Confucius’s prse which associated its radiance with Heaven. Chinese lore also suggested that the stone would protect agnst the effects of death and decay, leading them to bury jade burial suits for royal family members during the Han Dynasty period.
Jade was equally revered among the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand, who used it to create weaponry, tools, and ornamental items. The word 'pounamu' is the term the Maori use for jade which is protected as a taonga or treasure under the Treaty of Wtangi.
These taonga often served not just practical purposes but also increased in mana prestige with each generation, boosting their value through symbolic and ornamental gifts marking significant agreements.
In Mesoamerica, jade was equally prestigious among the pre-Columbian civilizations like the Olmecs and Aztecs. Due to its scarcity, it became a symbol of status for societal elites who would use it in rituals, ceremonies, inscriptions with hieroglyphics.
Today, jade jewelry continues to hold its place as a staple item that has stood the test of time. The global sources for jade are widespread including Canada, Guatemala, Russia, and China. However, Myanmar emerges as one of the leading nations in jade production, mining up to 70 of the world's jadeite since around the 10th century CE according to Chinese records.
For our jewelry, we source Wyoming nephrite black jade featuring a vein that runs through with dark green edges and a central core of black. For your unique piece, explore our made-to-order collection here.
of Content
This article is reproduced from: https://varianceobjects.com/blogs/gemstone-history/jades-rich-history-from-ancient-china-to-the-aztecs
Please indicate when reprinting from: https://www.f501.com/Jewelry_Jadeite/JADE_HISTORICAL_USES.html
Ancient History of Jade Jewelry Jadeite vs Nephrite Identification Jades Evolution in Chinese Culture Jade Valuation by Maori Tribes Prestige of Jade in Olmec Civilization Global Sources for Modern Jade