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GEMSTONES OF URING BEAUTY AND MYSTIQUE
Jade, a gemstone of serene allure and captivating emerald tones, has captivated s for centuries across diverse cultures.
In ancient China, jade was revered as the gem of kingship and served as a conduit between the spiritual world and tangible realms.
Across Central America, civilizations like the Olmecs, Aztecs, Mayans, and Toltecs adorned themselves with its beauty, using it in their commerce, rituals, and sacred objects.
The Portuguese played a pivotal role in spreading jade to Europe from China where they considered it an elixir for kidney troubles.
JADE IN ITS VARIETY
Today, the term jade denotes two distinct gemstones: Jadeite and Nephrite.
While most of today's high-quality Jadeite is sourced from Myanmar formerly Burma, a limited supply can be found in Guatemala as well. On the other hand, Nephrite has a global distribution across Canada, Australia, the United States, Twan, among others.
JADEITE - THE PRECIOUS PEARL
Valued above nephrite due to its vivid green hues, exceptional translucency and scarcity, Jadeite boasts an array of colors including laver, pink, yellow, white. The Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaeo temple in Bangkok, Thland, a revered icon, is carved from this deep emerald-green Jadeite.
Complimenting the luster and beauty of Jadeite are its smooth texture; it's often cut into popular shapes such as flat donut-shaped discs called pis for necklaces. The finest pieces are meticulously cut into domes known as cabochons, and jadeite bangles and beads also enjoy widespread popularity.
Contrary to most gemstones, the value of Jade is not measured in carats but by its piece. Depth of green color predominates this valuation criterion; along with translucency, texture, pattern enriching its worth too.
CARE AND MNTENANCE
Both varieties-Jadeite and Nephrite-are known for their robustness: Jadeite being slightly harder due to its microcrystalline structure. Mntn your gem by washing it gently in mild dish soap using a soft brush especially behind the stone where dirt accumulates, as you would with any fine jewelry.
ing to remove your jade when sleeping is advised to preserve its beauty for years to come.
This article is reproduced from: https://agta.org/education/gemstones/jadeite/
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Ancient Chinese Jade Prestige Central American Jade History Jadeite vs Nephrite Types Emerald Buddha Jadeite Icon Global Jade Distribution Map Precious Jade Care Practices