What is the difference between jasper and jade?
2009-08-23 19:15:30 Radio China International Attention! To listen to RTO broadcasts, you can use the Media Player Today, both in Russia and China, jewelry has become extremely popular among the female half of the population, both very expensive, for example, made of gold and platinum with rubies or even diamonds, and not very expensive products made of semi-precious stones. In China, in this sense, products with three stones are considered a favorite of Chinese women: jade, jadeite and jasper. Many people in Russia mistakenly believe that jade, jadeite and jasper are the same stone, so there is some confusion when they are mentioned. In our program today, I want to talk a little about these three stones and briefly describe their properties. What is jade? Geologists tell us that jade is a hydrous silicate of calcium, magnesium and iron, a dense matted fibrous aggregate – this is how this stone is defined in the Encyclopedia of Minerals. “Yu” or “feitsui” is the name given to all the variety of jade and jade in China, “yeshm” was called by the Persians, “kash” by the Mongols, “punamu” by the Maoris of New Zealand. In Russian, the name nephritis (from the Greek “nephros” – kidney) appeared only after the discovery of America. Since 1647, the term “jade” has appeared, which until now in the world trade in gems refers to jade and jadeite, and sometimes their substitutes and fakes. Many Chinese texts are devoted to describing the color of jade and its corresponding properties. The most prized in China is the white “Bai Yu” jade, which is mined in the Kashgar region (modern Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region), an area on the border with Turkestan, the world center for jade mining. In ancient times there was the Khorezm kingdom. Flawless “bai yu” has the color of “lamb fat”, a greasy shine, a smooth silky surface and is translucent through, ideally uniform in structure. Products made from this type of jade were extremely expensive at all times. There is a record that one of the specific Chinese rulers, in order to acquire the guibi disk with magical properties, gave 15 cities in exchange for it. Bai Yu can have different shades: creamy beige, yellowish, gray, greenish-gray, brown of varying intensity. Jade of rare colors is also highly valued: yellow like sulfur – this is the so-called “Tien Shan jade”, black like varnish, red like a cockscomb, bluish and lavender jades. But the most diverse in the number of shades is undoubtedly green jade, which, strictly speaking, is not jade at all, but another stone similar in type to it called jadeite. That is, it is this type of stone that is called jadeite—in Chinese—“feitsui.” All shades of foliage are essentially conveyed by the color of this stone; an interesting white-green variety is “moss breaking through the snow,” apple green and dark green with black graphite inclusions (widely known in Russia from the works of Faberge). Jade is considered a precious stone in China. But just as there is a big difference between a simple emerald crystal and a jewelry emerald, there are also different types of jade. The higher its density, the more valued it is. Jade is mined in the mountains and along river banks. Jade pebbles are more valuable because they are much denser. Pebbles can be covered with traces of oxidation, which craftsmen never remove and always incorporate them into the composition of the craft, cutting out small details using the oxide. In Chinese tradition, jade is considered a living being. A Chinese proverb says: “man nourishes jade, jade nourishes man.” If you ask a modern Chinese about the properties of jade, he will say that jade “drives away distortions,” that is, harmful influences If jade is basically an opaque white-greenish stone, and jadeite is greener, then jasper is a completely different matter! Jasper is one of the most common gems known to primitive man. Of course, jasper was especially valued in China. All kinds of decorations, cups, and symbols of power were carved from it. Jasper inserts on helmets, belts, and sword hilts of ancient Chinese warriors were considered reliable amulets. Jasper is not an individual mineral, but an opaque cemented conglomerate of various rocks colored by metal oxides. Its distinctive features: high silicon content, micro-grained structure, beautiful coloring and the ability to be polished to a mirror finish. Some jaspers are plain, without a pattern, others are spotted, and others have an intricate pattern (picture or landscape jasper). Chinese healers considered jasper one of the most important pharmacological agents for cleansing internal organs. According to them, red jasper was able to stop bleeding and heal women’s diseases. Green jasper was useful for concentrating attention, as a result of which the invisible to the eye was revealed to a person. According to Taoist ideas, jasper was considered a stone of life, because it strengthened the physical body and prolonged life. In one of the temples in China there is a statue of Buddha, carved from a monolith of green jasper weighing more than 5 tons. Many in China believe that this sculpture has strong healing energies. In the old days, jasper was considered a remedy for epilepsy and fever, and modern Chinese geomancers advise wearing a jasper stone on the stomach to protect the body from stomach diseases. Jasper products are valued depending on the combination of colors, beauty of the design and quality of work. In the 1500th century, Baron Rothschild paid for a small jasper box by the famous Italian sculptor and jeweler Benvenuto Cellini (1571-400) in Russian money, XNUMX thousand rubles in gold. In China, it is also believed that as a talisman, jasper enhances thinking abilities, increases entrepreneurship, and does not allow one to lose heart. Many fine works of art made from jade are kept in the collections of the Imperial Museum in Beijing. And here is the story of the most valuable and remarkable archaeological find that added to the Gugun fund. We are talking about a funeral suit made from myriads of jade plates. And it was like this: during excavations in 1968 in Changsha-Mawangdui of the tomb of the Han prince Liu Sheng and his wife, together with royalty, in 113 BC, 2800 objects were buried in the tomb, including exhibits that were truly amazing in their beauty. These are jade funeral suits in which the bodies of crowned spouses were dressed. Ancient Chinese texts say that such jade “suits” were made not only for emperors, but also for the most senior aristocrats of the Han Dynasty. However, the “suits” of Liu Sheng and his wife are the first to be found, which makes their historical value even greater. “Funeral suits” were made of jade because, according to the beliefs of the ancient Chinese, they had magical powers that could protect the bodies of the deceased from decomposition. The prince’s “suit” consists of 2690 pieces of jade, connected by 1110 grams of gold wire. The jade was cut so that its pieces were in close contact with each other, forming “armor” that covered the body. Holes were drilled in the corners of each jade square, through which gold wire was threaded. These Chinese stones are so amazing – jade, jadeite and jasper, which are very similar, but at the same time so different. 
A well-equipped heater is the main component of successful bathing procedures. In our new article, we tried to explain in as much detail as possible which stones for baths and saunas are best purchased. 
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- Heat capacity
- Heat resistance
- Size and shape
- Security
- Nephritis
- Jade
- Talcochlorite
- Gabbro-diabase
- Quartzite
- Quartz
- Peridotite
- Porphyrite
- Basalt
- Rodingitis
- Chromite
- Jasper
- Serpentinite
- cast iron cores
- Porcelain balls
By what criteria can you choose a good stone?
The stones in the sauna stove must warm up quickly, retain heat for as long as possible, and also not break or be damaged by extreme temperature changes for several years. That’s why you should select them based not only on their appearance, but also on their properties.
Heat capacity
The ability of a stone to retain heat is perhaps the most important characteristic that you should rely on when choosing. That is why it is best if the heat capacity of the stones for the bathhouse stove approaches one or even exceeds this value.
| Name | Heat capacity, kJ | Durability |
|---|---|---|
| Nephritis | 1,1 | 10 |
| Jade | 0,88 | 5 |
| Talcochlorite | 0,98 | 3,5 |
| Jasper | 0,79 | 2 |
| Gabbro-diabase | 0,85 | 2 |
| Raspberry quartzite | 0,7-0,9 | 4,5 |
| white quartz | 0,75 | 3 |
| Basalt | 0,9 | 3,5 |
| Porphyrite | 1,6 | 5 |
| Chromite | 0,92 | 5 |
| Cast iron | 0,54 | 6 |
| Porcelain | 8 | 10 |
Heat resistance
During bathing procedures, the stones are first strongly heated, and then water is poured onto them to create steam. Not every rock can withstand such sudden temperature changes. For example, the heat resistance indicator is considered quite high for jade, cast iron, chromite and some other stones, and less high, but still acceptable, for jasper, quartz, etc.
The choice also depends on the type of stove: if it is closed, the bath stones in it are exposed to open fire, so the heat resistance parameter in this case is especially important. It is no coincidence that jade, porcelain and cast iron are often recommended for such stoves.
Size and shape
The optimal size of the stones is directly proportional to the dimensions of the furnace. It also depends on the type of heater. Large specimens (from 7 cm) are preferable for wood-burning stoves, while it is better to place smaller ones in electric ones. Also, large stones are traditionally used in closed-type heaters, since they better withstand strong heat.
Many novice sauna lovers are concerned about the question of whether it is better to choose polished or chipped stones. To answer this, you need to decide what is more important: the durability of the stone or its more efficient heat transfer. The fact is that chipped specimens emit steam more strongly, but their wear resistance is lower than that of smooth ones.
Security
Which bath stone is best to use so that water treatments don’t go wrong? This is another very important question. Before going on sale, stones must undergo radiation control. In addition, it is important that they do not contain hazardous impurities.
If you are offered to buy stones at a price significantly lower than the market price, this is a reason to carefully check their origin. Goods from unreliable suppliers may be collected at railroads or other places where they have accumulated substances harmful to the human body over a long period of time.
How to check stones for quality
First of all, before purchasing, you need to carefully inspect the goods in the store, checking them for cracks and other defects. It is also advisable that there are no inclusions on them: if they are present, the heating will be uneven, which can shorten the service life of the stone. There are other signs of quality, for example:
• absence or minimal amount of dust;
• absence of white spots that can be easily scratched with a needle.
When you have already brought your purchase home, you need to carefully inspect it again and then wash all the copies. To eliminate defects, it is recommended to lightly tap them with a hammer: a clear sound is considered a good sign. You can also determine the quality by heating the stone strongly and then quickly dipping it into cold water: no damage should appear.
Types of bath stones
It is not at all necessary to put just one type of stone into the oven; you can combine several at once. Let’s talk a little about the main properties, advantages and disadvantages of the most common ones.
Nephritis
Jade is a very good choice for a stove in a sauna or bathhouse. The semi-precious stone retains heat excellently and has a large margin of safety. Jade is very beautiful and will be an excellent addition to the interior of any bath room. It should be borne in mind that the stone does not necessarily have a greenish tint; it can also be pinkish, brownish or almost black: this depends on the presence of magnesium or iron impurities in the jade composition.
Jade
Heat-resistant, heat-intensive and durable – it is not surprising that jadeite is very popular among lovers of bath treatments. An additional advantage is its impressive appearance. It is no coincidence that in ancient times the Chinese decorated the imperial baths with jadeite.
Talcochlorite
Bath experts often call soapstone the “king of saunas.” He received such a high title due to several characteristics at once. Perhaps the most valuable property of soapstone is the soft, pleasant steam that it emits upon contact with water. The stone is characterized by uniform heat transfer and resistance to temperature changes. Unfortunately, the “king of saunas” also has disadvantages: significant cost and the presence of talc particles in the composition, which generate a little dust. However, the last problem can be avoided if you thoroughly wash and then calcine the soapstone before use.
Gabbro-diabase
Volcanic dark gray stone lasts about two years. In the stove, gabbro-diabase retains heat excellently. An additional argument in its favor is its affordability. It should be taken into account that, when heated, gabbro-diabase expands. In addition, when drops of essential oils (which are often used in a sauna) come into contact with it, carbon deposits appear on the surface.
Quartzite
This stone, also known as porphyry, gives off heat for a long time and is resistant to cracking: it can withstand temperatures of over two and a half thousand degrees Celsius. When you pour water over it, a light, pleasant steam is formed. Another important advantage of quartzite is its affordable price.
Quartz
The beautiful white stone looks great in the stove: some sauna lovers call it “hot ice” because when heated it glows, becoming like an ice crystal. Unfortunately, it is difficult to call quartz a practical choice, since it is not very heat-resistant and is recommended for use only in open-type heaters.
Peridotite
A stone of igneous origin is excellent for use in a Russian bath. It has sufficient heat resistance and lasts for many years without loss of quality. In a steam room, peridotite gives off heat for a long time.
Porphyrite
Durable, heat-resistant and heat-intensive – this is how porphyrite can be described in a few words. Don’t be afraid of the crackling noise it makes when heated: this distinctive feature will go away after a few baths.
Photo by wikipedia.org
Basalt
This stone is optimally suited for practical people: in terms of price-quality ratio, it occupies one of the leading positions. Black basalt of volcanic origin is characterized by high density, fire resistance, and the ability to retain heat for a long time. When water is poured over it, intense steam is generated.
Rodingitis
A calcium silicate rock similar to jadeite, it is strong and wear-resistant. It is characterized by high heat capacity, accumulates heat well and produces light steam.
Photo: wikimedia.org
Chromite
A dense stone of igneous origin has a high heat capacity and almost does not expand in volume when heated. Chromite is resistant to cracking under severe temperature changes, and its service life without loss of quality is about five years.
Jasper
This semi-precious stone has a noble brownish tint. Its advantages include good heat dissipation and high density. When used weekly, jasper lasts about two years.
Serpentinite
The stone, also known as serpentine, is very beautiful. However, unlike the outwardly similar jadeite, it does not retain its properties for very long under sudden temperature changes. This is why serpentinite is rarely used as the main filler for a heater.
Photo by wikipedia.org
Cast iron and porcelain
The advantage of cast iron cores compared to natural stones is their very high thermal conductivity and wear resistance. They will last for many years without being damaged by temperature changes.
Porcelain balls are also an excellent option for filling the heater. They are inexpensive and look impressive. However, for a sauna or Russian bath it is still better to choose not only artificial stones: if you combine them with natural ones, you can get a lighter, more pleasant steam.
How to place stones in a kiln
It is important not only to choose the right stones, but also to lay them correctly. Here are a few principles to follow:
1. Only well-washed and dried stones should be laid.
2. If the specimens you purchased are of different sizes, then the largest of them should be located at the bottom of the heater, and the smallest at the top.
3. Stones with better heat resistance should be located closer to the fire or heating elements.
4. To ensure that oblong stones do not heat up for long, it is better to place them vertically.
5. When using an electric oven, it is important to leave a small distance between the stones and the heating elements to prevent damage to the latter.
How to properly care for bath stones
If you go to steam every week, it is advisable to remove the stones from the oven once a year and check for damage. Cracked copies will need to be replaced with new ones. The remaining stove stones can be washed and then re-installed. They do not require any other care.
We hope that the information was useful and will be useful to you when choosing stones for a bath or sauna. If you have any questions, our store consultants will be happy to answer them. Have fun!
You might be interested in:
- Bath stove lining soapstone
- Chimney with stone lining
- Furnaces with lining
- Sauna stove with stones
- Stones for baths and saunas up to 5 kg
- Bath stones are heat-intensive
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