NaAlSi₂O₆ / Ca₂(Mg,Fe)₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂
Jade
Jadeite from Myanmar and nephrite from the rivers of New Zealand share a shop word and not a crystal structure.
- Formula
- NaAlSi₂O₆ / Ca₂(Mg,Fe)₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 6–7
- Crystal system
- monoclinic
- Colour
- green
- Element
- earth
- Chakra (tradition)
- heart
- Zodiac
- Taurus, Libra, Pisces, Virgo
- Month
- —
- Where the earth keeps it
- Myanmar, China, New Zealand
What it actually is
Jade is NaAlSi₂O₆ / Ca₂(Mg,Fe)₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂ before it is a story. The lattice is monoclinic, Mohs 6–7, and the eye meets green.
The better pieces still come out of the ground in Myanmar, China, New Zealand. Jadeite from Myanmar and nephrite from the rivers of New Zealand share a shop word and not a crystal structure.
What the old tradition whispers
The parlour tradition ties Jade to earth and to the heart centre. The old site stood it near: Taurus, Libra, Pisces, Virgo.
How not to turn it to ash
A hard stone survives a daily ring, yet two diamonds in one box will scratch each other. Warm water and a soft cloth are enough.