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Jade

Photo: Thomas Nordengen / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Jade

Also known as: Nephrite, jadeite

Two exceptionally tough minerals, nephrite and jadeite, revered for thousands of years in China and Mesoamerica.

  • ColourGreen, White, Lavender, Black
  • Mineral groupNephrite (amphibole) or jadeite (pyroxene)
  • ChemistryJadeite: NaAlSi₂O₆
  • Hardness (Mohs)6–7
  • Crystal systemMonoclinic
  • Where it's foundMyanmar (jadeite), Canada, New Zealand, Russia, China (nephrite), Guatemala
  • ChakraHeart
  • ZodiacAries, Gemini, Taurus, Libra

What is Jade?

"Jade" is the name for two different minerals: nephrite and jadeite. French mineralogist Alexis Damour showed they were different in 1863. Both are made of tightly interlocking fibres or grains, which makes jade extraordinarily tough – far more resistant to breaking than most gemstones.

Jade has been carved in China for over 7,000 years and was more precious than gold to the Olmec and Maya of Mesoamerica. The name comes from the Spanish piedra de ijada, "stone of the flank", from a belief it helped kidney ailments. Today most gem jadeite comes from Myanmar, while nephrite comes from Canada, New Zealand, Russia and China.

Be aware that much inexpensive "jade" is dyed quartzite, serpentine or glass.

Jade astrology & birthstone

Zodiac, planet and element links come from crystal-lore traditions and vary between authors. Birthstone months follow the American Gem Society list.

Jade meaning & traditional properties

Jade is associated with good fortune, harmony, prosperity and longevity, especially in Chinese culture, where it symbolises virtue and purity.

  • Luck
  • Harmony
  • Prosperity

Traditional and metaphysical properties are shared for cultural and educational interest. Crystals are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.

How to use Jade

  • Wear a jade bangle or pendant as a traditional luck charm.
  • Give jade for births, weddings and new beginnings.

How to care for Jade

Very tough but can scratch. Clean with warm soapy water; avoid harsh chemicals and heat.

Shop Jade

Hand-picked jade crystals and jewellery from our Paralimni workshop.

Rituals & pairings

Pair Jade with a abundance & success ritual

A new-moon or Monday-morning ritual for goals, business and prosperity.

Traditionally paired with: Cinnamon, orange or patchouli incense · A green or gold candle · Palo santo to start fresh

  • Clear your desk or workspace with palo santo.
  • Light a green or gold candle and cinnamon, orange or patchouli incense.
  • Write your goal on paper and place your crystal on top of it.
  • Keep the crystal on your desk, near your till or in your wallet as a reminder.

Safety: never leave candles, incense or smudge sticks burning unattended, keep them away from children, pets and anything flammable, and ventilate the room. Rituals are shared as tradition, not as a treatment.

Ritual oils, essential oils & perfumes

Deepen your practice: tarot & oracle cards

Wear it & work with it

Jade jewellery & pendulums

Jade FAQs

What are the two types of jade?

Nephrite and jadeite – two different minerals both called jade.

Is all green 'jade' real jade?

No, many inexpensive pieces are dyed quartzite, serpentine or glass.

Related crystals

  • Aventurine
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    Aventurine

    Shimmering green quartz known as the 'stone of opportunity' in crystal lore.

  • Serpentine
    In our shop

    Serpentine

    Snake-skin green minerals formed from Earth's mantle – the same rock that forms Cyprus's Troodos Mountains.

  • Chrysoprase

    Chrysoprase

    Apple-green chalcedony coloured by nickel – a rare, fresh-looking stone of joy and the heart.

  • Emerald
    In our shop

    Emerald

    The legendary green beryl and May birthstone, treasured from Cleopatra's Egypt to Colombia.

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