The name of this gem dates back to the Spanish conquest of the Americas: it derives in fact from “piedra de hjada” (“stone of the colic”), coined in 1565, while another Spanish name is “piedra de los riñones ”(“ kidney stone ”), which, translated into Latin, becomes“ Lapis Nephriticus ”, hence Nephrite. These nomenclatures show the link that the Spaniards have grasped between the polished pebbles of Jade and the kidneys.
Jade is composed of particular silicate minerals distributed in a structure made of very fine granules and intertwined fibers, which make it very resistant. Jade is opaque, that is, impenetrable to light.
The major exporters of this gem are China and Burma, but specimens are also extracted in Guatemala, Russia, Kazakhstan, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
More than any other gem, Jade is etched in the heart of Chinese culture and, under its influence, throughout Southeast Asia. Considered as a royal gem, jade began to be mined as early as 6,000 BC. C. and by the ancient Chinese it was called the “Gem of Heaven”, because it was associated with immortality and the power to establish a bridge between heaven and earth. There are two different varieties of Jade – Jadeite (group of alkaline pyroxenes) and Nephrite (group of amphiboles) – and until 1863 both were indifferently called Jade. The discovery that Chinese Jade (Nephrite) and Burmese Jade (which he called Jadeite) belong to different minerals, but with similar properties and appearance, is due to the French mineralogist Alexis Damour.
Jadeite actually has a rather short history and was never particularly in demand until the 18th century. The finest specimens with high purity and deep emerald green were so coveted by Chinese emperors that they received the attribute of Imperial Jade. Jadeite comes in various colors: blue, brown, cream, green, gray, lavender, orange, red, violet, white, yellow and a combination of the same, even in the form of spots. The reddish color of Jadeite is due to the presence of traces of iron, while its greens are due to chromium. Nephritis has a smaller range of colors: brown, green, gray, yellow, white. Macules, as well as streaks of red, yellow and brown, are due to an oxidation process.
Delicate and silky to the touch, Jade with its wonderful delicate colors completes every outfit perfectly. However, this aspect should not be deceiving, as Jade is one of the most resistant gems in the world together with Diamond.
• How to care for jewelry with Giada
Jade can be subjected to steam cleaning, but not ultrasonic.
