What color is jadeite stone?

Jadeite together with jade are combined into a group called “jad”. It is a very durable jewelry stone. Since ancient times it has been used as a material for precious items, religious and artistic crafts, as a talisman. In nature, it occurs in dense granular masses; crystals are extremely rare. It has a variety of colors and shades, such as emerald green, light green, white, pink, brown, exclusively black, lilac, yellow, gray. Translucent or matte. Black agate protects from danger, it gives power over dark forces, and plunges into sadness. There are a number of names for jadeite with the word “jad”. Jade-albite is a rock, a complex of jadeite and albite, mined in Burma, where it is also called mau-sit-sit. Yuan jade is also found there, but it is named after the famous Yuan province in China, where it is sold in large quantities. Imperial jade is an emerald green translucent type of stone, kingfisher is bluish-green, magnetite is an opaque black hue (due to inclusions of magnetite), Mexican imperial is found in Mexico. Translucent jadeite is often called “magnificent jade.” In general, many different stones that have nothing to do with it are called jade. Jadeite is an example of a sacred stone. In Mexico, not only amulets were made from jadeite, but also religious objects, as a rule, figurines of saints. Mexican temples were decorated with a variety of religious items made of jadeite, which they called “calchihuitl.” Jadeite, comparable to jade, was widely used in China. Religious items, vases, cups, and jewelry – bracelets, rings, beads, necklaces – are known to be made from it. Its high viscosity made it possible to use it for the production of tools – chisels, knives, scrapers, arrowheads. At this time, it is also widespread, both in the jewelry industry and for the manufacture of artistic goods. Currently, jadeite is widely used in jewelry and stone cutting due to its significant hardness, high decorative properties, and the ability to take a perfect mirror polish (Fig. 36). The most highly characterized is the emerald green translucent variety, which is used for insertion into rings, earrings and other jewelry. Bright green translucent and opaque gems are processed into cabochons and made into beads. Trade varieties of jadeite are classified: 1) imperial—emerald green, completely transparent and translucent, fine-grained rock of uniform color. The best examples are valued commensurately with an emerald; 2) chambercial—veins and spots of translucent bottle-green jadeite against a green opaque background; 3) utility – the brightest green opaque variety. In addition to these, there are other commercial varieties. In the USSR, in the early 60s, three jadeite deposits associated with ultrabasic igneous formations and a number of occurrences were discovered. There are different ideas about the formations of jadeite mineralization: 1) igneous, 2) metamorphic, 3) hydrothermal-metasomatic. The deposits are bodies of jadeites and jadeite-bearing rocks concentrated in hypermafic intrusions controlled by deep fault zones. Mining sites are located in the Northern Balkhash region, in the Polar Urals, and in the Western part of the Sayans. Ornamental and jewelry jadeite is mined using the quarry method at the Itmurundinsky deposit in Kazakhstan. The name “jad” dates back to the era of the Spanish conquest of Central and South America and is translated literally as “lumbar stone” – piedra de ijada, since for medical purposes it was applied to the lower back. The abbreviated name from the French jade was introduced by Last in 1648. In the industry for sharpening ornamental stones and in archeology, the name “jad” has been preserved, bringing together jadeite itself (pyroxene) and jade (amphibole). Through European countries, this name spread throughout the globe. The name of the ornamental stone of the Aztecs and ancient Mayan tribes chalchihuitl, tuxtlite is characteristic of jadeite or omphacite, diopside-jadeite. The corresponding Chinese designation “Hi-sui” has not become widespread. More than 2000 years ago in China, stone was widely used to make cult attributes – divine figurines and other ritual objects, as well as symbols of distinction and various attributes of state power. Thanks to its excellent decorative properties and the possibility of mirror polishing, jadeite is a high-class jewelry and commercial stone. According to the Chinese, the mineral (jade) was the harbinger of all precious stones and denoted the five cardinal virtues: mercy, modesty, courage, justice and wisdom. They believed that, processed into powder and mixed with water, it was a powerful remedy for treating any internal disorder, strengthening the physique, protecting against overwork, prolonging life, and if taken in significant quantities before death, it prevents the decomposition of the body. In China, jadeite is used to make a drink characterized as “divine jade liqueur.” To prepare it, you need to take equal parts of jadeite, rice and dew, place them in a copper pot and boil. The resulting liquor must be thoroughly filtered. This mixture was intended to strengthen muscles, restore flexibility, strengthen bones, calm thoughts, and cleanse the blood. Anyone who took this drink when going on the road suffered less from heat or cold and avoided the feeling of hunger and thirst. The most valuable type of jadeite is considered to be the imperial variety, which is a translucent or relatively translucent fine-grained variety of emerald green hue. Its prices are comparable to the prices of emerald. Thus, presented in 1980 in Rangoon (Burma) at an exhibition and sale, the world’s largest processed jadeite of the imperial variety, worth 750 carats, was valued at $2 million. Until now, jadeite was little known in Russia, since deposits of this mineral were not developed on the territory of our country, and the USSR did not purchase ornamental stones abroad. Jadeite, jade (jadeite, jade) is a jewelry and ornamental stone, mostly green in various shades, known since ancient times. Due to the unique combination of physical and mechanical characteristics (strength, ability to accept mirror polishing and transparency in thin plates) it is widely used. In Asia they believe in the mystical power of this stone. Products made from this stone, which are in close proximity to a person, give him health and have a beneficial effect on him, the Chinese believe. They say that if an accident occurs, the stone will break, preserving the life and health of its owner. In China, for many hundreds of years, only high-ranking nobility were able to afford jadeite. It was characterized as the predecessor of all precious stones, symbolizing the five fundamental virtues: charity, modesty, courage, justice and wisdom. Many Chinese and Japanese emperors wore jadeite jewelry, slept on jadeite pillows, and ate from jadeite dishes. Why is this mineral better than other sauna stones? Jadeite is a unique semi-precious stone, the complex of properties of which is intended to be used for saunas. The combination of the highest strength coefficient and tensile strength with a minimally low water absorption rate makes the stone absolutely safe for use in your sauna. Jadeite, having a very high density and at the same time low thermal conductivity, provides maximum thermal output for a long time. This ensures that the “light vapor” is preserved for the longest possible time. According to the latest published scientific research in the field of gemmo-(litho)-methods of therapy, jadeite, as a stabilizing stone, has a targeted positive energetic effect on humans: restores the nervous system, equalizes blood pressure, makes blood vessels elastic, improves blood composition, normalizes male potency , treats diseases of the kidneys and urinary system. In a heated stone, these properties are enhanced many times over. Jadeite is the most beautiful natural resource ever used in saunas. Thanks to its unique physical and mechanical properties, jadeite is the most durable material for saunas. “Jadeite saunas” are very popular abroad. The most fashionable and prestigious complexes consider it necessary to equip their saunas with jadeite, including the LUX cabins of the Sandunovsky Baths in Moscow. The cost of an hour in the Juvinex jadeite sauna in New York (on 32nd Street located between 5th Avenue and Broadway) is 100 US dollars. A mineral with special medicinal properties is called jade or jade. However, at present there are very few places where this mineral is found – its main sources are considered to be the province of Khotan in Turkestan and New Zealand – in prehistoric times the stone must have been found in many regions, since axes were discovered during excavations in many lands of the old and new worlds and other instruments made from this material. When the Spaniards discovered and explored the southern part of the American continent, they came across a variety of national jewelry and amulets made from jade (jadeite), and brought many of them to Europe. Its name is derived from the Spanish name piedra de hijada, which translates as “side stone,” so named perhaps because the Indians of that area used it to treat all types of kidney problems. Jade owes its name to the same idea. In ancient times, jade was considered a very effective medicine for childbirth. Whether the Spaniards adopted the belief in the ability of the stone to cure kidney diseases from the Indians or just guessed about these properties, using it in their jewelry, is a mystery that is not easy to answer. An early mention of jade as a healing substance appears in Sir Walter Raleigh’s description of his trips to Guiana. Talking about the “Amazonians” who live in the depths of this area, Raleigh says: “The local people have a large reserve of gold plates, which they exchange, most often, for green stones, called piedras hijadas by the Spaniards, which we use to treat liver and kidney stones. I met seekers of these stones in Guiana. Every king or local cacique has such a stone, these decorations are usually worn by their wives and are revered as a rare jewel.” By the middle of the 17th century, the treatment of all kinds of stones with jadeite gained widespread acceptance. One case of such treatment is presented in the letters of Voiture. He suffered seriously from stones and received a luxurious jadeite bracelet from Mademoiselle Paulet. Having gratefully accepted this decoration, he writes in a fit of revelation, mixing with gratitude not too delicate details that may seem incomprehensible to us: “If the stones you gave me do not destroy me, then they will at least help me to patiently experience my suffering, and it seems to me that I have no right to complain about colic, since they gave me real happiness.” Voiture calls jade – l’ejade, confirming the formation of our name jade from the Spanish hijada. While the lady’s gift was received by Voiture, some of his intimates, who happened to be present, were inclined to believe that the gift was a sign of affection, until he convinced them that it was nothing more than a medicine. It seems that Mademoiselle Paulet was a merciful person, and, referring to this, Voiture says: “In this case, jade had such an effect on you that you did not expect from him, and his virtue protected yours.” You might think that a kidney stone and poetry have nothing in common, but the following lines, taken from an ancient Italian book of poetry, disprove this. Siri de Perse writes: “Some white stones serve to mark joyful days, But mine makes the days full of suffering and gloom. To build a palace or a temple of the sun, Stones can be used; but mine was created to split the fleshly temple of my soul. Of course, I know that death sharpens its heavy sword on these stones, and that white marble. Which has long been growing in me, will be my tombstone.” Since jade was and remains the most revered gem in China, although it was never mined in China itself, it is naturally characterized there by its excellent medicinal properties. The ancient Chinese medical encyclopedia, the work of Li Shi Chang, presented to Emperor Wang Li of the Ming Dynasty in 1596, includes many interesting information about jade. Jade, crushed into particles the size of a grain of rice, strengthens the lungs, heart system, vocal organs, prolongs life and is more effective if gold and silver are added to its powder. Another undoubtedly more enjoyable way to consume this miraculous mineral is in a liqueur enthusiastically described as “the divine liqueur of jade.” To prepare this nectar, one had to take equal parts of jadeite, grains of rice and dew, put them in a copper pot and bring them to a boil. The resulting liquor was carefully filtered. This elixir was intended to strengthen muscles, give them flexibility, strengthen bones, calm thoughts, nourish the body and cleanse the blood. Anyone who took this mixture on a long journey suffered less from heat or cold, as well as from hunger and thirst. Galen (130 AD) wrote about the green mineral:
“Some people talk about the power of certain stones, and this is true of green jasper. The touch of this stone to the stomach or navel heals. In addition, this stone is inserted into rings and a dragon in a halo of rays is carved on it (according to the will of the ruler Nekhepso in the 14th book of his works). Indeed, I myself have thoroughly examined this stone. To do this, I put it on so that it touched the navel, and received no less benefit from it than if I had taken it with the engraving about which Nehepso wrote.” For thousands of years, people who make and sell jadeite products have found many ways to improve the appearance of the stone. Heat, wax, dyes, bleaches, acid injections, polymer injections and other treatments have been used to improve the color, luster and stability of jadeite and jade.

Types of jadeite processing

Although many of these treatments are part of traditional jadeite manufacturing processes, today’s buyers want to know about all the manipulations that were used in the manufacturing process. So what are the different types of jadeite? All jadeites are divided into three types (“types”) according to the processing used during the production process. They are designated as type A, type B and type C jadeites.

Jadeite type A

Jadeites of this type were treated with wax. This is the most traditional refining of jadeite. Such treatment, as a rule, does not affect the cost of the stone. In this treatment, manufacturers boil finished jadeite products in water to clean them and prepare them for waxing. They are then dried and dipped in melted wax. Wax fills any surface pores and cracks. When the items have cooled, excess wax is removed and the items are rubbed to a bright shine. The wax fills in uneven surfaces and gives the stone a smooth, shiny surface.

Jadeite type B

Type B jadeites are bleached by soaking in hydrochloric or sulfuric acid. The acid removes oxidation stains and flushes out sodium. This lightens the color of many materials. Pressure is then used to impregnate the jadeite with wax or clear polymer resin. Impregnation fills all surface pores and cracks and gives the object improved smoothness, shine and color. Unfortunately, the appearance of Type B jades can begin to deteriorate after just a few years. Acid treatment makes some jadeite brittle, and the resin resins can become discolored over time or when exposed to heat and sunlight. Because of these issues, the processing of Type B jadeites must always be specified when products are sold.

Jadeite type C

Type C jade typically undergoes all the treatments of Type B jade, but the object is also painted in the more sought-after color. Dyes may fade over time when exposed to heat and light. For these reasons, Type C enhancement should always be specified. Dye treatment can often be detected by examination with a microscope, spectroscope, or gemological filters. But this testing is not necessary—the seller must disclose the full extent of processing for each item sold.

Jadeite and impostors

In the gem trade, a stone is often misnamed by using the name of a more popular or more valuable mineral. For example, an example of a misuse of the name jadeite is the name “Mexican jadeite” for green-colored calcite or travertine. This mineral is commonly used to make vases, chess pieces, tabletop sets and other decorative items. Here are more examples of impostors who are not actually jadeites:

• “African jade” is a large variety of green grossular garnet found in the Transvaal province of South Africa.
• “Amazonian jade” is an amazonite, a blue-green microcline of feldspar.
• “American jadeite” is californite, a type of vesuvianite.
• “Bowvenite jadeite” is a type of serpentine resembling jadeite.
• “Garnet jade” is a variety of green grossular garnet.
• “Honan jadeite” is the name used for various jadeite substitutes, including jadeite in quartz, serpentine, and soapstone.
• “Mexican jadeite” is green-colored calcite or greenish travertine.
• “Indian jadeite” – aventurine, quartz.
• “Korean Jadeite” – a variety of jade and jadeite lookalikes, including glass, soapstone and serpentine.
• “Manchurian jadeite” – soapstone.
• “Oregon jade” is green jasper, green grossular, or other jadeite lookalikes found in Oregon.
• “Snake jade” is a variety of serpentine similar to jadeite.
• “Sushou jadeite” is a name used for various jadeite substitutes, jade in quartz, serpentine, soapstone.
• “South African jade” is a green grossular found in the Transvaal province of South Africa.
• “Transvaal jade” is a green grossular found in the Transvaal province of South Africa.

Use of jadeite in ancient times

People have used jadeite for at least 100 years. The earliest jadeite objects were tools. Jadeite is a very hard material and is used as a tool because it is very hard and breaks to form sharp edges.

Most jadeite minerals lack the color and clarity that give the stone its gem quality. However, when ancient people found pieces of the mineral, they tried to turn them into useful items.

“Strength” is the ability of a material to resist fracture when subjected to stress. “Hardness” is the ability of a material to resist abrasion. Ancient tool makers took advantage of these properties of jadeite and turned it into cutting tools and weapons. The stone was used to make axes, projectiles, knives, scrapers and other sharp cutting objects.

Use of jadeite in jewelry

Jadeite is a durable, colorful material that is easy to work with and has a beautiful shine. These properties make it a highly sought after gemstone. Jadeite has been used to make various jewelry items such as pendants, necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, beads, cabochons and other items.

In jewelry, solid jadeite is often combined with other gemstones or placed in settings of gold, silver, or other precious metals. In addition to jewelry, jadeite is used to make small sculptures, jewelry, religious art, and small functional objects.

Jadeite Twins

A number of minerals that are commonly cut and polished can easily be confused with jadeite. All of these stones can have a color, luster and clarity that is very similar to jadeite – so similar that the average person cannot recognize them. These minerals are often used to make cabochons, beads, and other items in the same style as jadeite. They are often called “jadeite”, although they are not.

Chalcedony is a translucent variety of microcrystalline quartz that occurs in a variety of colors similar to jadeite and jade. Chrysoprase is a bright green chalcedony colored with chrome. And in products it is very similar to jadeite. Chalcedony also comes in other colors such as black, lavender, yellow and orange. These minerals may appear as colored varieties of jadeite.

Serpentine (serpentine) comes in a variety of wonderful translucent or almost transparent green and yellowish green colors that are very similar to jadeite. This is a metamorphic mineral. It is often found in the same geographic areas and rock types as jadeite. The coil is much softer than jadeite, and also has a much lower specific gravity.

Vesuvian (californite), also known as idokras. This is another jadeite look-alike that is very difficult to distinguish from the original without laboratory testing. It has the same hardness, specific gravity and appearance. But it is not as strong as jadeite and is easier to break.

Maw Sit Sit is a stone with a bright chrome-green color, mined in Myanmar. It is very similar to jadeite. Mousite Sieve is composed of jadeite, albite and cosmochlore (a mineral related to jadeite). Cabochons, beads and small sculptures are made from it.

Hydrogrossular garnet is a large green garnet, usually green in color with black veins. It also looks like jadeite. In South Africa, where it is common, it is known as “Transvaal jade”. It is often cut into beads, cabochons and small sculptures.

Aventurine is the trade name used for green quartz, which is often colored by fuchsite inclusions. They typically color quartz light to dark green and provide some sparkle. Aventurine is sometimes confused with jadeite. It is called “Indian jadeite”.