Collection: Nephrite jade

Jade is a stone that is not a precious stone, but it has been worshipped, used, and carved by multiple civilizations for about eight millennia.

For many years, jade was considered a single stone. However, in 1863, French mineralogist Alexis Damour (1808-1902) distinguished and separated three types of minerals under the name jade. These three minerals have very distinct characteristics.

The first of these minerals is called jadeite. It belongs to the silicate family, and more specifically to the pyroxene group (minerals from the inosilicate group, components of igneous and metamorphic rocks). It is the most precious, densest, and rarest jade.

Its color is generally white or gray. It is rather transparent in appearance. Its hues and opacity vary depending on the inclusions it contains. The most common color is more or less dark green. It varies depending on its titanium, manganese, or chromium content. However, jadeite can also be pink, orange, or purple. It has the highest hardness of the jades, as it is between 6 and 7 on the Mohs scale.

The second of these minerals is nephrite. Nephrite is found in greater quantities than jadeite. It is essentially composed of basic magnesium silicate, calcium with the presence of ferric iron. Nephrite can be translucent, white or very slightly yellow, opaque, brown or gray to green and present all shades of green.

More precisely, nephrite is a rock made of amphibole (iron and magnesium silicate) of green, black or brown color, or actinolite (ferromagnesian mineral of the silicate family). It has a hardness of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. It is less hard than jadeite, but it still allows the manufacture of tools, jewelry or ornamental objects.

The third of these minerals is kosmochlor, which is the rarest of the jades. It has a composition similar to jadeite and belongs to the silicate family and the pyroxene group. Depending on its impurity content and nature, it has a more or less intense emerald green hue. It may contain traces of titanium, aluminum, iron, manganese, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus.

Kosmochlor comes from a meteorite fall in Toluca, Mexico. This jade comes from space. In fact, its name comes from the German "kosmische," meaning cosmic. “Chlor” comes from the Greek “khlôros,” which means the color green.

It was the Portuguese who brought jade back to China at the end of the 15th century. They had settled in Canton, China. This mineral was then called “piedra de ijada,” which translates as flank stone. This name illustrates the healing power of this stone on kidney pain, or nephritic pain.

In some Latin texts, the name lapis nephreticus is found, which evokes jade. The French discovered this stone in the 17th century and named it “éjade”. Later, the “e” disappeared and the mineral became jade.

Jade objects have been found dating back approximately 5,000 years. Jade became a sacred stone during Chinese prehistory. The deceased belonging to the elite were buried with jade. Jade represented absolute power, and Chinese emperors carried a jade scepter during important ceremonies.

The Greeks possessed jade from birth to death. They also used it to soothe and heal wounds. In New Zealand, the Maori made tools, weapons, and jewelry from jade.

The main jade deposits are located in Canada, Thailand, China, Russia, and the United States.

Nephrite jade is a stone of balance and energy. It balances our emotions by allowing us to free ourselves from the anxieties buried deep within. This provides peace, calm, and a feeling of lightness.

Indeed, it generates confidence and a certain kindness towards oneself. It allows one to detach oneself from accumulated traumas and leaves room for the positive emotions that surround us. It helps one find inner peace. Once the mind is freed, tranquility sets in.

Nephrite jade is highly recommended for people who are weak, overly nervous, and easily exhausted. It is an energy stone that restores vitality. It frees the mind from guilt and allows one to distance themselves from judging others. It gives wisdom and facilitates openness to others without preconceptions.

This mineral improves the body's endurance and instills serenity. It is ideal for meditation and promotes introspection. Nephrite jade is said to be a stone of honesty toward oneself and others. It helps one to better understand and know oneself.

In the event of a breakup or loss of a loved one, wearing nephrite jade gives the strength to overcome one's wounds and emotional suffering. It stabilizes emotions and soothes pain. Nephrite jade allows one to move forward after difficult trials.