Jade

I do not care for most precious stones. I wear a simple gold wedding band, eschewing an engagement ring offered, oh so many years ago, and instead look for rocks like some women look for the perfect diamond.

I have moonstone, turquoise, rose agate, moldevite, ammolite, Mexican fire opal, and many more that are basically just rocks. Most of my jewelry is under $500.00. Not a collection that is bound for Southeby's when I die.

My current passion is jade. But when I started researching this stone I found that it can be incredibly expensive, especially for very green pieces with very little occlusions.  Jade is actually two different stones - jadeite and nephrite - with jadeite being the most valued. Most gem quality stones are Jadeite Burmese Jade, and the finest are Imperial green Jade. The value of jadeite depends on its degree of transparency and color. The most desired have intensive, even color, honey-like transparency, watery luster, translucency, even texture, and a pure vivid root-like structure. 

An understanding of jade should not limited to its technical aspects, however. Jade has as much to do with feeling as gem quality. The people of the Orient have developed an appreciation of the stone beyond anywhere else in the world, desiring it above all others - including gold and ivory. "Gold has value; jade is beyond value." Adding to the inscrutable nature of this precious stone is the knowledge that is locked away in arcane, non-Roman alphabet texts, adding to the mystery. The ancient Chinese believed that jade was a link between the physical and spiritual worlds - The Stone of Heaven - embodying both the yin and yang qualities of Heaven and Earth. Since it is a non-conductor, it feels cool to the touch. This coolness is said to elevate and purify one's thoughts, quieting the mind and inducing a state of contemplation. They also believed powdered jade taken internally, in the right dosage, could cure any ailment. That it could ward off bad luck and misfortune, creating greater health and mentality.

And what about the more modern mystical qualities often attributed to jade? 

It is said to help one to attain goals and dreams, identifying limitations so that you might manifest ideas into the physical world, promoting courage, compassion, justice, generosity, humility, wealth and longevity, allowing one to lead a richer and more fulfilling life. 

But for me, the most important aspect of jade is that it is a stone of the heart. Related to the fourth, or Heart Chakra (which is the color green), it is said to be beneficial to all related issues. Which is why I would love to have one hanging right on that place around my neck. 

What about you? Do you have a stone that you would like to have? Do you want to wear it or look at it? Why do you want that specific stone or jewel?