Jade in South Australia Jade deposits near Cowell on Eyre Peninsula are among the largest known nephrite jade deposits in the world.
Nephrite is one of two gem materials, nephrite and jadeite, that are known as jade. They have a somewhat similar colour range and a tough, microcrystalline structure. Both have been used as carving materials throughout history. Of these two minerals, only nephrite is found in Australia.
Tougher than Diamonds, Australian Black Jade is a variety of Nephrite. 'Jade' originates from the Spanish conquest of the Americas, being derived from 'piedra de hijada' (colic stone) around 1565.
In its finest form, this bright green ornamental gemstone has a glowing, ethereal quality. Chrysoprase possesses a soft translucence similar to an opal and an intense colour rivalling that of imperial Burmese jade; however, don't be fooled, as it is a distinctly different mineral with unique properties.
Significant jade deposits have been discovered in countries like Myanmar, China, Russia, and New Zealand. In fact, Myanmar is the primary source of high-quality jadeite, while China has been a major player in the jade trade for centuries and has high quality nephrite jade.
Jadeite was first imported to China only about 250 years ago, from Northern Myanmar (Uru River Valley, Kachin State) which was then under Chinese power. Today the region remains the primary source of jadeite.
Jade is actually more important in China than other areas although it historically has been used outside of Imperial China for ornamental objects, tools, and weapons Unearthed in areas like Australia, North America, South America, and Europe.
The price for fine-quality jadeite has risen dramatically along with China's economic rise. The demand from those who can newly afford it has significantly outpaced the supply of this rare material. The Chinese have revered jadeite's fine green color since its discovery in Burma. Top-quality jadeite is rare.
While both the Chinese and Japanese use jade, it is more commonly used in China.
The composition of jade
In historical times China's chief source of nephrite has been the riverbeds of Yarkand and Hotan in present-day Xinjiang autonomous region in northwestern China, where jade is found in the form of boulders.
There are two minerals that are commonly called jade, nephrite and jadeite. The traditional Chinese jade, is nephrite. Just to make things even more confusing, in New Zealand, jade is called pounamu or greenstone. As one of the world's oldest decorative stones, jade has been prized for its beauty across the world.
Throughout ancient Chinese history, jade was seen as a sacred material. Although the forms and decorations of jade objects varied over time and in keeping with fashions, jade has remained the favoured in Chinese culture. The deep-rooted significance of jade to Chinese culture is revealed by its long history.
Jade is traditionally revered in many Asian cultures, where it's considered more precious than gold or diamonds. Legend has it that it protects the wearer from misfortune — if your bangle breaks, that's because it was absorbing the evil intentions directed towards you.
The most coveted – and therefore the most valuable – is a very specific shade of green known as imperial jade. There are other shades of green jade including kingfisher jade, apple jade and moss-in-snow jade.
One of two distinct minerals commonly known as jade, jadeite is the rarer and harder variety. Rich green jadeite, known as “imperial jade,” is also the most highly valued. However, durable jadeite can be found in many colors and is well-suited for both intricate carvings and cabochons.
The first jadeite reached China from Burma (now known as Myanmar) in the late 1700s, and late eighteenth and early nineteenth century carvers created masterpieces that are still unsurpassed in concept, design, and technical execution. The Chinese associate jade with clarity of mind and purity of spirit.
Origin: Jade is from the gemstone with the same name; however, the name has Spanish origins. Gender: Jade is a great name for babies of any gender. In the United States, it's commonly given to both boys and girls.
Next to certain rare colors of diamond (such as blue, pink and red), jade is the world's most expensive gem, with prices far above even ruby and sapphire.
Myanmar produces upward of 70 percent of the world's supply of high-quality jadeite. Most of the Myanmar's jadeite is exported to other nations, primarily Asian, for use in jewellery, art, and ornaments.
Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon
Instituted in 1933, this is the highest order presented by the Republic of China, and can be worn only by the head of a nation.
Among the elite, women would wear jade jewelry, while men (usually high ranked Chinese government officials and emperors) would wear jade belts and pendants on their clothes. Jade was not only worn to show one's status, jade jewelry and ornaments sort of acted like an ID card as well.
It benefits skeletal and cellular systems and helps heal infections and physical injuries. For women, the jade stone helps for fertility and childbirth (Cho, 2022). For the feng shui, the jade stone is exposed in homes to balance the circulation of energies such as in statues, carvings, and tumbled pieces.
Various religions and cultures represent themselves through their unique pieces of jewelry. Catholics are often seen wearing a cross, or crucifix, while Buddhists or southeast Asians are seen wearing jade pendants.