What Is Chinese Jade?
Chinese jade has been used as a medium for carved sculptures and jewelry. It has become a symbol of beauty and elegance, as well as one of prosperity and thriving for those who believe in Chinese thought. It is said to be the "stone from heaven" and it's regarded for its intrinsic moral value and beauty.
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The Stone
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The term jade actually refers to two different stones that look very similar. The first is nephrite and the second is jadeite. These are minerals that look similar but have different chemical compositions. Nephrite is a calcium-magnesium silicate. Jadeite is a sodium ad aluminum silicate. Jade comes in many different colors such as yellow, brown, gray, lavender and pink, but is most commonly pale green and translucent in nature.
Imperial Jade
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While green is a very common color for jade, imperial jade is very rare and valuable. It possesses a deep and pure green that contains elements of Chromium as a mineral component. Imperial jade is found in Burma.
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Spiritual Value
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Jade has been considered more valuable than gold and silver to Chinese culture because of its high moral value. Those who have jade are said to be rich in virtue because of the solid and durable nature of the stone. Specific patterns such as bats and gourds, have increased the stone's spiritual value, since these symbols represent good fortune in Chinese culture.
History
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Carved Chinese jade figures have adorned Chinese palaces for centuries. The first carved art was jade stoneware found in the Immortal Cave dating back 12,000 years. It was during the Shang Dynasty that sculptures were carved using metal tools. Sculptures carved from quality jade were often given as gifts.
Jewelry
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Jade bangles and carved pendants are common pieces of jewelry. Chinese jade can be polished and has many uses in jewelry. High valued jade is uniform in color and texture, free from blotches and veins. It is semi-transparent in natural light and has a natural luster. Jade should be comparable in price to emeralds.
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