Collection: Black Jade

Black jade belongs to the silicate family. It is composed of sodium and aluminum silicate, like other varieties of jade. It also contains iron oxide and magnetite. This type of black jade is also called black jadeite or magnetite jade.

Black jade is a variety of jade, ranging in color from dark gray to intense black. Its opaque appearance can sometimes have beige or even golden inclusions.

The name jade first appeared in the General Dictionary in 1667. The name nephrite was also used, as jade was believed to cure kidney problems. It wasn't until 1863 that French scientist Alexis Damour identified the two minerals in jade: jadeite and nephrite.

The term jade encompasses three different minerals: jadeite, nephrite, and kosmochlor. These minerals have an identical appearance. Jade is a hard and durable ornamental stone.

The history of jade begins in China, long before China became the empire of Asia. The peoples of the Neolithic period in the northeast were already making their tools and even their jewelry from jade.

Despite trade between China and the West, which took place from the mid-12th century to the mid-14th century, jade was not known in Europe until the early 16th century.

In fact, the Portuguese settled in China in 1517. They imported carved jade objects into Europe, called “piedra de ilharga,” which translates as “flank stone.” Later, due to their resemblance to Aztec objects, jade was also called “piedra de hijada.”

In France, jade was called “siadre,” then “éjade.” This term was adopted to evoke the beautiful mineral. Vincent Voiture (1597-1648), a French poet and prose writer, thanked Angélique Paulet for giving him a jade bracelet to relieve his kidney pain. The “e” later disappeared, and the stone’s name became jade.

Jade has long been known in China: it was believed to have medicinal properties, particularly those used to cure urinary problems. However, the magnificent jade stone indicated high social status. Thus, the wealthiest deceased were buried with a large amount of jade. It was customary to insert a jade cicada into the deceased's mouth.

Jade, a stone with mystical properties, was often associated with virtue, elegance, and purity (especially white jade). It was an outward sign of high social status. For millennia, jade was a symbol of love. It often represented the various imperial dynasties and was synonymous with power and high rank. Indeed, during ceremonies, a scepter carved from jade had to be carried by the emperors.

This stone is truly a favorite among the Chinese. They wear one during every negotiation, as it promotes honesty and justice. Jade is the source of many legends and is said to ward off misfortune and bring good luck.

Jade is still present in Chinese culture today, with many objects still being discovered from different eras.

Jade was present in various cultures around the world. In Greek mythology, jade was associated with the Moirai, deities of destiny. The Moirai accompany humans from birth to death. The Greeks attributed purifying, healing, and soothing properties to it. They used it in the form of elixirs to heal animal bites, eyes, and stomach ailments.

The Romans used it as an offering to the fertility goddess Bona Dea. The Celts did the same with the goddess of fertility and medicine named Bridget.

In conclusion, jade remains a sacred stone in many cultures today. Different varieties of jade are still valued, whether in jewelry or as ornaments. White is the most natural color, but jade also comes in dark green, emerald green, blue-green, green-black, blue, orange, yellow, and sometimes pink.

The largest deposits are located in China, the United States, Guatemala and Burma.

Black jade offers wonderful protection against negative energies. It focuses influences and wards off negativity. Thus, it restores an atmosphere filled with harmony and serenity. This mineral is excellent for meditation.

This stone is said to attract luck and good fortune. It is particularly used to conclude good deals. Be careful to use it in moderation, as it can turn against the user in cases of proven venality.

However, black jade can give dynamism to people lacking ambition. It also allows one to open up to others and strengthens one's ability to express oneself.

This mineral brings vitality to one's emotional life and brings novelty. It helps to renew one's thoughts during traumatic shocks and overcome psychological wounds. At the same time, it combats emotional instability.

Black jade encourages feelings of love, devotion, and courage. It also has the ability to restore confidence and eliminate stress.

It is known to develop honesty and justice. This mineral provides wisdom in life.