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Earth> Jade
The Power of
Jade
By Raymond J
G Wells
Published August 2000
Jade is a thoroughly intriguing stone! For
centuries it has preoccupied peoples of
all races and cultures and from prehistoric
times until today it has been held in great
reverence for practical, aesthetic, mythological
and commercial reasons.
It was mined and carved by the earliest
civilizations such as the Maoris of New
Zealand, the ancient Aztecs, the Mayans
and the Chinese. As far back as the 10th
century the Turks believed it helped to
ensure victory in battle.
However, although Jade is a significant
stone in many areas of the world, it has
been the Chinese who over long centuries
have perfected the craftsmanship of this
fascinating precious living stone. Indeed,
the preoccupation of the Chinese with Jade
dates back to the Neolithic period during
which items made of jade were buried with
the dead. The Neolithic Chinese believed
that the stone had the power to preserve
the dead body.
Yu, a Chinese character with a connotation
of 'jewel' or 'treasure', is the Chinese
equivalent for 'Jade' in English. To the
Chinese, however, Yu does not refer to one
specific substance but to a wide range of
minerals that are usually distinguished
by elements of hardness, strength and translucence.
As such, although technically the term 'jade'
refers only to the two materials jadeite
and nephrite, many Chinese would consider
carvings made from jade simulants as equal
and precious parts of a jade collection.
Jade simulants are natural gem minerals,
glass or plastic substitutes that appear
to have some of the visual characteristics
as jade but lack jade's unique optical,
physical and chemical properties, and include
minerals such as aventurine, jasper, cornelian
and rose quartz.
Green is the most popular jade color and
the most prized jade is the "Imperial"
or "Old Mine Jade". Jade dealers
only employ the term "Imperial"
for the most translucent and richest color
of emerald green. The term "Old Mine
Jade" refers to the first mining site
in the Kachin Hills of Myanmar, which has
long since been exhausted.
Judging what is good jade can be a subjective
affair. A lot of experience is required.
Every collector has different taste and
different ideas of what to look for in a
piece of jade, but there are some basic
guidelines to follow.
Jade is translucent and not transparent
like glass. Opacity in fact lowers its quality.
Cracks and the presence of impurities further
reduce its value. However the beauty of
a piece of jade will be enhanced if there
is a small flaw somewhere, just as, it is
said, a gentleman with a little fault is
more interesting than one without.
The essential value of jade is its beauty
which ultimately depends on factors such
as color and tone; shape, size and dimension;
translucency and clarity, polish, texture
and finish. No one piece of jade is ever
the same as another, it has a quality character
and hue of its own.
Jade is the second most important material
after bronze in the history of Chinese culture,
and the belief in its magical powers is
very evident in Chinese mythology, religion,
philosophy, folklore and social life.
Protection
It is believed that jade can protect one
from evil and bring good luck. People have
been said to escape accidents because they
had a piece of jade on them. In some these
cases, the jade piece broke, leaving the
person unharmed.
Healing
Jade is frequently used in Chinese alchemy
and medicine. The Chinese believe jade has
the ability to confer immortality, eradicate
shortness of breath and thirst, as well
as improve the health of the heart, kidneys,
lungs and throat. Some people believe that
scars on the face and body can be removed
if constantly rubbed with a piece of white
jade.
Comforter to the Dead
Jade articles have been used by both the
living and the dead. "The living wear
jade as a symbol of their moral integrity,
and jade accompanies the deceased to comfort
their souls." Sacrificial utensils
made of jade were used for offerings to
ancestors and in ceremonial respect to the
gods of heaven and earth.
Jewelry
Jade is a favorite material used for jewelry
such as necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets,
combs and hairpins, and is also often set
in walking sticks, caps and sashes.
Practical use
Jade has also been used to make practical
items like brush holders, water cups, armrests
and brush washers.
Symbol of Nobility
Jade was frequently worn by the nobility
as a sign of their office and authority.
In early times, jade axes and spades were
carried by the nobility, and these later
evolved into Gui - an elongated jade tablet.
The emperor would also dispatch an official
with a jade "tablet of authority"
to proclaim the task assigned to him.
There you have it. A round-up of the remarkable
Jade which the Chinese believe not only
dispels illness but brings good fortune
and wards off evil. Isn't it about time
you bought yourself some Jade!
Copyright 2000
Raymond Wells
Raymond Wells is
a British born economist and writer currently
living and working in Malaysia. He has numerous
writing credits in both print and electronic
magazines. Among the former are articles
in Day and Night, Trailfinder, Southern
Scribe, Writer's Forum, International Living,
Changi, Far East Traveler and Home
and Country. He has written for e-zines
such as Tempo, Worldwide Freelance Writer,
Zinos, Writers Mirror, BootsnAllcom
and now for the-vu.
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