History
Neolithic sites include simple ornaments carved of jade, which soon expanded to include knives, wood-working tools and weapons. This stone was immensely popular in the Balkans, early China, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and both coasts of the early Americas. It became the preferred material for creating objects d’art and scholars’ supplies in China, with the value of certain varieties exceeding their weight in silver and gold.
Chinese culture so values jade that it appears in many of their idioms. As an American might say a lovely young woman is, “pretty as a picture,” the Chinese equivalent might be to say she has a, “jade countenance.” Nephrite can be found in a translucent white to pale yellow color called “mutton fat” jade–this is viewed as the most precious and prized hue. Jade is valued across Southeast Asia, including Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines and elsewhere.
Mesoamerica also valued jade–it was a rare stone used only for the highest elites. The conquistadores discovered the natives using it, and samples brought back to Europe by them were identified as nephrite in 1780. This stone is also known as British Columbia jade, grave jade, New Zealand greenstone, spinach jade and other names.
Nephrite is derived from lapis nephriticus (Latin for “stone of the kidneys”), for the traditional belief in its power to heal the kidneys and loins.
Metaphysical Properties
For a sense of the spiritual value of jade, look into the face of a great carved Buddha. In that face is deep peace, balance and strength. Nephrite jade is believed to promote those qualities in its wearers, offering physical and emotional well-being, especially during unpleasant or difficult situations.
Nephrite is one of several durable stones called “pounamu” by the Maori, and is highly valued among them as a taonga (treasure). Pounamu, shaped into both tools and ornaments, gain prestige and social value as they are handed down through the generations.
Of course, being named the stone of the kidneys, nephrite is believed to cure kidney stones.
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