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Jade
It’s been called the stone of
the heavens, the musical stone, the stone of the loins and some people
believe it can predict the future. Found in mountains and riverbeds it
is considered to be “the essence of Heaven and Earth”.
Today Jade is recognized as two distinct but similar types of stone – Jadeite and Nephrite. However, over the centuries the name Jade has
been applied to a wide variety of minerals including: Serpentine, Turquoise, Malachite, Agate, Hornblende, Marble, Amazonite (Green
Feldspar), Idocrase, Calcite, Aventurine, Amethyst, Coral, Ruby and Sapphire.
Pure Jade is pure white. All other colors are due to minute quantities
of metals such as iron, chromium, vanadium and magnesium in the
crystalline structure. The most sought after color is a deep
translucent green known as Imperial Jade. Other popular colors include Lavender Jade, Blue Jade, Purple Jade and even Jade Cats Eyes. White
Jade is traditionally known as Mutton Fat Jade.
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Although it measures
just 6-7 on the Moh’s Scale of Hardness, Jade is actually tougher than
steel! It is this toughness that has ensured its enduring popularity
and makes it an ideal gem for Gold Rings and other jewelry. Jade
Carvings, Cameos and Pendants are timeless and Bracelets, Necklaces
and Chokers made from Jade Beads (including various Fancy Colors) are
another perennial favorite.
Jade is found in a variety of locations with Myanmar, Guatemala and
Russia’s Ural Mountains the main commercial deposits. Other Jade
locations include: Rhotan in Mountainous Western China, The
Jordensmishl Nephrite Jade Deposit in Poland, the Appenine Mountains
in Italy, India, Switzerland and the Netherlands
When evaluating Jade there are four main factors to consider:
Color: The color should be penetrating, vivid and also be
evenly distributed.
Translucency: The clarity should be as consistent as honey
while the translucency can range from near transparent to opaque.
Texture: Jade can be fine or coarse but the best quality is
clear and free of impurities.
Cutting: As Jade is often sold as finished artworks, the
quality of the workmanship is paramount
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