Having said that, its interlocking crystal structure makes it tough to break or chip. Minor bumps and impacts would not have an effect on a natural jade bangle. However, chemically bleached treated jade bangles are not durable. Their internal structural integrity has been compromised, making them brittle.
Disclosure: Jadeite is tough, but it will break if hit really hard against something.
When your Jade breaks, it might symbolize a variety of things. To some, this signifies you've used up all of your stone's beneficial energy and that it is no longer bringing you peace and tranquility. Others may see this as the stone not being compatible with your energy.
This interlocking structure gives jade its toughness and outstanding workable properties. Even under extreme stress, it doesn't break or deform easily.
But if I hit a big piece with a hammer, it will shatter. Jade is not the hardest material, but it's very durable. That means it's nearly impossible to break. If I hit a big piece with a hammer, it wouldn't shatter.
Extensive exposure to water, especially hot water, can result in the loosening of your stone. We recommend you remove your jade jewelry before swimming, showering, etc.
Jadeite can be green, pink, purple, brown and white. Nephrite jade is very tough, the toughest known natural mineral, three times tougher than ceramics and even tougher than steel. This explains why it was used in neolithic times for knife blades, axe heads and later for ornamental carvings.
Jadeite has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Hardness is scratch resistance, which means jadeite cannot be easily scratched except with those which have higher hardness. For instance, diamond has a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, it's the hardest stone in the world. But jade has good toughness.
The stone, a staple material in fine jewelry, has found little favor with watchmakers, however, because of its fragility. “It is not easy to cut or shape jade evenly into a thin disc, nor is it easy to make small bits such as the indexes without any blemishes,” Mr. Chan said.
You can repair your broken jade jewelry by using strong adhesive glue such as epoxy cement. There are other types of household cements that bond precious stones but a two-part epoxy made for gemstones and metal is better because it dries or cures clear and takes 24 hours to set.
Traditionally, you dispose of such broken jade by wrapping the pieces in red cloth and throwing it into a river. But in Singapore, you'd be fined for littering! So I tell people to put the jade in a red packet or red plastic bag and throw it into a rubbish bin.”
A large proportion of jade bangles sold in various markets have been treated or enhanced chemically and these typically are inexpensive and easily found. On the other hand, natural jade bangles can be purchased at relatively low prices as well.
Jade is one of the toughest gemstones in the world, and most natural jade bangles are durable enough to be worn every day.
Heat from a jeweler's torch can harm jade. Jade is stable to light, and it can be affected by warm acids. Ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners are safe for untreated jade. But jade might be treated by dyeing, bleaching and impregnation, coatings, or heat treatment, so warm, soapy water is always a safe choice.
The quality of Jade is determined by its colour, texture, transparency, cut, and carat weight. The finest Jade is an attractive vivid green. The value of a particular piece of Jade also depends on its fine texture and semi-translucent clarity.
Most Fragile Gems: Selenite, Maxixe.
With proper care, jade plants can live between 50 and 70 years—sometimes even longer. Because of this, they're often passed down generationally.
Jade plants like light, and need at least 4 – 6 hours of bright, indirect light per day. Some varieties tolerate stronger light better than others. But, any jade plant can be damaged by too much sun. And, like humans, jade plants too can suffer sunburn.
It is the most expensive because it is the highest quality, the most sought-after color, and remains today the most highly prized source of jadeite around the world. As mentioned there are three types of Jade and these three classifications are based upon the manufacturing process.
A Jade bangle is better to wear on the left hand than the right hand from a safety standpoint. People tend to use their right hands more frequently than their left hands. The bones and muscles of the right hand may be greater than those of the left since people frequently utilize them for manual tasks.
For jadeite, the intensity of the green color, combined with a high degree of translucency are the key factors in judging value. Stones which are too dark in color or not so translucent are less highly valued.