Six Entertaining Facts About Alaskan Jade

By Nicole Guy


There are two types of jade. Alaskan jade is made of nephrite, which is made up of a mixture of minerals from the amphibole group. Amphibole minerals consist of tetrahedral (four-sided) silicate subunits arranged in a double chain. Chinese jade is composed of pyroxene minerals, which are single chains of silicate subunits. Chinese jade, known as jadeite, comes from the pyroxene mineral group. It, too, is made up of chains of four-sided silicates but instead of double chains, they are arranged as a single chain.

Be wary if someone tries to sell you what they call, 'new jade'. This is really the less valuable mineral known as serpentine. Nephrite is more expensive than serpentine. Make sure you are getting the real thing.

Natives of New Zealand called Maoris passed carved images of their ancestors down through the generations of their families. It was believed that their spirits were contained within the stones. Pacific Northwestern Americans considered the stone to possess luck, wisdom and long life.

Some civilizations believe that nephrite or jadeite guarantee a long, lucky life. The Incas, Aztecs and Europeans were convinced that nephrite was the cure of kidney problems. It also relieves insomnia, comforts those who are lonely or bereaved and relieves trauma. It is used in Chakras. It increases fidelity and devotion (4th Chakra) and helps to calm an overactive 2nd Chakra.

The Chinese, the Mayans and the Ancient Americans used it in rituals surrounding death. They would place pieces of the mineral into the mouths of the deceased. The rationale behind this seemingly peculiar custom was to provide a form of currency to pay for their journey to the other world.

The most common contemporary use for Alaskan jade is ornamental. It is used to make earrings, pendants, bracelets and rings. It is the birthstone for both the month of May and for the astrological sign of Virgo.




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