By Chisom Ibemere
Jade is popular for it’s ornamental attributes in East, South and Southeast Asian arts. They are equally useful in Mexico and Guatemala. It’s rarity and Unique value made it a useful stone in Mesoamerica for symbolic and ritual purposes.
Jade minerals are majorly utilized for Ornamental purposes and as Jewelry. They are mostly green in colour but may be yellow or white. Since the stone age, Jade had been mined and utilized in China. It’s artifacts includes Ornaments, using beads, button and tubular shapes.
The two major minerals known as Jade are Nephrite and Jadeite which are very tough with different chemical compositions and structures. Both minerals are found in only metamorphic rocks. Jadeite occurs in rocks that are mostly formed under higher pressure than Nephrite. Jadeite is rich in Aluminum and is a pyroxene found in green, grey, lavender and yellow while Nephrite is a Magnessium rich amphibole commonly dark green in colour.
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Jade has high resistant to breakage, abrasions and chipping and highly durable. It was used to make tools, weapons, utensils in prehistoric times.
The two minerals have similarities in their physical properties and can be distinguished with the use of a “chime test”. Green Jades are the most widespread and known to offer tranquility to the spirit and calm wisdom to the mind.
Jade has a variety of uses which may include: They are worn as Jewelry for it’s beauty and support. They are carved into talisman and Ornaments for protection and healing in the environment.
The highest quality of Jadeite in the world are found in Myanmar’s northern regions. Myanmar has the highest production of high quality Jadeite of 70%.
