THE Jade is not a simple ornamental stone, but an ancestral symbol of purity, balance and of wisdom, whose reputation has spanned civilizations for more than 5,000 years. Revered in Asia, particularly in China where it was nicknamed the “Stone of Heaven” and reserved for the imperial elite, Jade embodies the quintessence of virtues and longevity. It is a bridge between the earthly and the heavenly, the tangible and the eternal.
Often associated with its soothing green color, this gem actually comes in several shades (white, lavender, black) and, from a gemmological point of view, it is divided into two distinct minerals:
Its remarkable hardness allowed it to be used, since prehistoric times, for the manufacture of tools and weapons, before becoming a talisman of prosperity, healing and wisdom.
Discover in this article the fascinating history of Jade, its complex origins, the art of Chinese master sculptors, and its profound benefits on the body and mind according to lithotherapy. We will explore why Jade deserves its status as an "Imperial Treasure" across the world.
History and Myths: A Millennial Treasure between East and West
Jade is one of the few stones to have had a major and distinct influence on several great civilizations, often surpassing gold in value and symbolism.
Jade in Imperial China: The “Stone of Heaven”
In China, Jade (Yù) occupies an unrivaled cultural and spiritual place. It was not just a gemstone, but a vehicle of Confucian morals and ideals.
-
Symbol of the Five Virtues: As early as 2500 BC. BC, Jade symbolized the five cardinal virtues of the Gentleman according to Confucius : there charity (its sweetness), the righteousness (its internal translucency), the wisdom (the melodious sound it produces), the courage (its unshakable hardness) and theequity (the way the corners don't hurt).
-
Rites and Immortelle: Jade was essential to imperial funeral rites. The funeral costumes of the Han dynasty (the most famous being that of Prince Liu Sheng) were made entirely of thousands of Jade plates sewn together with gold or silver thread.silver. This practice aimed to seal the body and prevent putrefaction, guaranteeing immortality and protection of the deceased in the afterlife.
-
Objects of Power: Sculpted objects like discs Bi (circular discs representing the Sky) and tubes Leave (square tubes symbolizing the Earth) were used in complex ritual ceremonies, marking the social status and cosmic connection of the elite. The emperor himself displayed a Jade scepter (the Ruyi) during major ceremonies.
-
From Nephrite to Jadeite: For millennia, only Nephritis (often white or dark green) was known and used. It was only from the 18th century that the Jadeite, more lively and colorful (notably the famous Imperial Green), was imported from Myanmar (Burma) and became the most popular variety.
Jade in the Americas and Europe
On the other side of the globe, Jade played an equally vital role, particularly in the therapeutic use which gave it its modern name.
-
Mesoamerica: Among the Mayans and the Aztecs, Jade surpassed gold in value, representing the vital breath, the heart and the soul. Rulers wore Jade masks and jewelry to signify their power and connection to the deities of water, corn and regeneration. Green Jade was a symbol of eternal life and was placed in the mouths of the deceased.
-
Medical Etymology: When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, they saw indigenous people using the stone to relieve ailments. The Spanish term "ijada stone" ("side stone" Or "kidney stone") was adopted in reference to its reputed effectiveness against renal pain. This is where the modern French word "Jade" and the scientific term "nephrite" (from the Latin lapis nephriticus).
-
New Zealand (Maori): The Maori people revere Nephrite Jade (called Pounamu) like a sacred treasure (taonga). It is fashioned into tools, prestige weapons (the mother) and ancestral ornaments like the Hei-Tiki, passed down from generation to generation, embodying the spirit of the ancestor.
Detailed Mineralogy: Jadeite and Nephrite
Confusion over "Jade" persisted until 1863, when French mineralogist Alexis Damour distinguished between the two compositions, confirming that the term Jade is actually a trade name for two distinct minerals.
Physical and Chemical Comparison
Although they look similar visually, the Jadeite and the Nephritis differ radically in their chemical formula and properties. These differences explain their rarity and their respective value.
| Characteristic |
Jadeite (Hard Jade) |
Nephrite (Soft Jade) |
| Chemical Formula |
Sodium aluminum silicate (Pyroxene). NaAl(Si2O6) |
Calcium and magnesium silicate (Amphibole). That2(Mg,Fe)5If8O22(OH)2
|
| Crystalline Structure |
Grainy/granular crystals. |
Intertwined fibers (very tenacious). |
| Hardness (Mohs) |
6.5 to 7 (Harder) |
6 to 6.5 (More tender) |
| Density |
Higher (3.30–3.38) |
Lower (2.90–3.03) |
| Appearance/Gloss |
Glassy to highly polished, often more translucent. |
Greasy (oily) to polished, usually opaque. |
| Rarity & Value |
The rarest and most precious. |
More common. |
| Main deposits |
Myanmar (Burma), Guatemala, Japan. |
China (Hetian), Russia (Lake Baikal), Canada, New Zealand. |
The Meaning of Colors
Jade is appreciated for the richness of its colors, each having a particular meaning in China and in lithotherapy:
-
Green Jade (Imperial): The classic color, associated with Heart Chakra. Imperial Green (Jadeite) is the most expensive variety, a translucent emerald green due to the chrome. It symbolizes harmony, vitality and prosperity.
-
White Jade: Called “Sheep Fat Jade” for its creamy texture, it is very popular in China. It symbolizes the purity, spiritual connection and serenity. It is linked to Crown Chakra.
-
Jade Lavender/Purple: This variety of Jadeite is rare. It promotes calm, gentleness, spiritual wisdom and acts as a balm on the emotions, helping to overcome grief and fears.
-
Black Jade: A variety of Anchoring and protection (similar to Black Tourmaline). It is connected to the Root Chakras and helps attract material good fortune and success. It is sometimes called "Magnetic Jade".
Virtues and Properties in Lithotherapy: Wisdom and Healing
In lithotherapy, Jade is the “stone of serenity and balance”. It acts gently, providing stable support for emotional, relational and physical health, while attracting good luck.
The Emotional and Spiritual Plane: Inner Peace and Wisdom
Jade is a powerful emotional stabilizer that encourages honesty and moderation.
Emotional Anchoring and Serenity
-
Appeasement: Jade releases a soft and enveloping energy which calms the nervous system, reduces stress, L'anxiety and emotional instability. It helps overcome judgments, negative thoughts, fear and anger, establishing deep inner peace.
-
Honesty and Moderation: It moderates the desire for possession and helps to detach oneself from the gaze of others, promotinghonesty towards oneself and the ability to make healthy and rational choices.
-
Wisdom and Intuition: Jade raises the level of consciousness. It is particularly used in meditation to achieve deep concentration and facilitate connection with the ancestral wisdom or spiritual. It is often considered a bridge to cosmic intelligence.
The Heart Chakra and Relationships
Green Jade is inseparable from Heart Chakra (Anahata). By opening this energy center, it encourages theunconditional love, compassion, harmony and tolerance.
It is excellent for harmonizing relationships. Wearing it helps attract more sincere and authentic relationships, while building confidence and self-esteem to interact with a new group or social environment.
Physical Virtues: Regeneration and Vitality
Faithful to its etymological origin of “kidney stone”, Jade is a regulator of metabolism and a purifier of the body.
-
Renal and Urinary System: It is traditionally renowned for fortifying kidneys, liver, spleen and heart. Its vibrations are believed to aid in the purification of the organs and the elimination of toxins and waste. It is often cited to relieve symptoms of renal colic, cystitis and gallstones.
-
Skin and Circulation: The most popular use today is in cosmetics. Massage with a Jade Roller or a Gua Sha activates the blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. This improves the radiance of the complexion, the elasticity of the skin and promotes the reduction of wrinkles in the long term (tightening and firming effect).
-
Regulation and Healing: It is known to strengthen the immune system, stimulate cell regeneration and accelerate healing (including for cutaneous nerve problems such as eczema or shingles). It also helps to alleviate migraines and headaches, often by simply placing the stone on the forehead.
-
Physical Balance: Jade is used to balance hormonal imbalances, regulate excessive sweating and soothe the physical manifestations of nervous disorders.
Care, Use and Synergies of Jade
Jade, particularly Nephrite, is very tenacious but its average hardness requires maintenance precautions to preserve its shine and energy.
Purification and Recharge: The Gentleness of the Moon
Jade is a stone that does not excessively accumulate negative energies like certain protective stones (Ex: Obsidian). Its purification is less frequent, but must remain gentle:
-
Purification (Water and Fumigation): Clean your Jade withlukewarm running water (unsalted, as salt can damage the structure and shine). The safest and recommended method remains fumigation (white sage, Palo Santo) or cleansing by sound (singing bowl).
-
Reload (Moon): Jade is strongly associated with feminine energy (Yin) and night. It recharges ideally under the soft light of the Moon, especially during the full moon, to amplify your energies of intuition and serenity. Prolonged exposure to the sun should be avoided, as it could alter some of its colors.
Powerful Associations in Lithotherapy
Jade harmonizes perfectly with the soft stones of the Heart Chakra or those which bring luck and prosperity.
-
Jade + Rose Quartz / Amethyst: The most powerful synergy for the heart. Jade harmonizes relationships and attracts self-love, while Rose Quartz opens and heals the heart. Amethyst amplifies the serenity and spirituality of White Jade/Lavender.
-
Jade + Tiger Eye / Citrine: For success and prosperity. These associations reinforce the luck and wealth aspect of Jade (particularly Black/Green Jade), helping to manifest abundance.
-
Jade + Rock Crystal: Rock Crystal acts as an energy amplifier, increasing the healing and purifying power of Jade without altering its softness.
Optimal Daily Use
To benefit as much as possible from its virtues, Jade must be worn or placed strategically:
-
Jewelry : Wear it as a pendant near the heart or on the wrist (bracelet) ensures a constant flow of its harmonizing energies, promoting inner peace throughout the day.
-
Health and Beauty: Using Jade massage tools (rollers or Gua Sha) for the face or body maximizes its benefits on the epidermis and lymphatic drainage.
-
Environment : Placing a large jade pebble in your home or office attracts prosperity and creates an atmosphere of calm and harmony, useful for work or meditation spaces.
The Jade Stone: A Legacy of Harmony and Longevity
Jade is much more than a jewelry stone; it is a living testament to history, an object of sacred art and a pillar of ancestral medicine. Symbol of immortality and perfection in Asian cultures, it continues to be a precious ally in lithotherapy, embodying gentleness, strength and wisdom.
Whether cherished for its vibrant color of life or used for its calming virtues, Jade offers a tangible reminder of the need for balance and serenity in our modern lives. Adopting Jade means adopting a fragment of age-old wisdom, a lucky charm for health and prosperity, ensuring that harmony and longevity become daily realities.
