Six Interesting Facts About Alaskan Jade
There are two types of jade. Alaskan jade is made of nephrite, which is made up of a mixture of minerals from the amphibole group. Amphibole minerals consist of tetrahedral (four-sided) silicate subunits arranged in a double chain. Chinese jade is composed of pyroxene minerals, which are single chains of silicate subunits. Chinese jade, known as jadeite, comes from the pyroxene mineral group. It, too, is made up of chains of four-sided silicates but instead of double chains, they are arranged as a single chain.
What is often described as 'new jade' is actually serpentine. To be sure you are getting the the genuine article, ask for nephrite. Nephrite possesses more intrinsic value than serpentine.
The New Zealand natives known as Maoris would make carved images of their loved ones and hand them down through the generations of their families. This was because they thought their spirits would remain in the stones. The Native Americans from the Pacific Southwest considered nephrite to be the stone of longevity, luck and wisdom.
Some civilizations believe that nephrite or jadeite guarantee a long, lucky life. The Incas, Aztecs and Europeans were convinced that nephrite was the cure of kidney problems. It also relieves insomnia, comforts those who are lonely or bereaved and relieves trauma. It is used in Chakras. It increases fidelity and devotion (4th Chakra) and helps to calm an overactive 2nd Chakra.
The Mayans, Chinese and Ancient Americans incorporated the stone in their death rituals. Pieces of nephrite or jadeite were placed in the mouths of the deceased. The stone was considered a form of currency to ensure their loved ones' safe passage to the other world.
The most common contemporary use for Alaskan jade is ornamental. It is used to make earrings, pendants, bracelets and rings. It is the birthstone for both the month of May and for the astrological sign of Virgo.
What is often described as 'new jade' is actually serpentine. To be sure you are getting the the genuine article, ask for nephrite. Nephrite possesses more intrinsic value than serpentine.
The New Zealand natives known as Maoris would make carved images of their loved ones and hand them down through the generations of their families. This was because they thought their spirits would remain in the stones. The Native Americans from the Pacific Southwest considered nephrite to be the stone of longevity, luck and wisdom.
Some civilizations believe that nephrite or jadeite guarantee a long, lucky life. The Incas, Aztecs and Europeans were convinced that nephrite was the cure of kidney problems. It also relieves insomnia, comforts those who are lonely or bereaved and relieves trauma. It is used in Chakras. It increases fidelity and devotion (4th Chakra) and helps to calm an overactive 2nd Chakra.
The Mayans, Chinese and Ancient Americans incorporated the stone in their death rituals. Pieces of nephrite or jadeite were placed in the mouths of the deceased. The stone was considered a form of currency to ensure their loved ones' safe passage to the other world.
The most common contemporary use for Alaskan jade is ornamental. It is used to make earrings, pendants, bracelets and rings. It is the birthstone for both the month of May and for the astrological sign of Virgo.
