Wyoming State Gemstone
Jade STATUS Official DESCRIPTION Jade is the name for the gem form of the minerals jadeite and nephrite. Jadeite and nephrite occur in shades of green, blue, greenish white, grayish, yellow, orange, and rarely, lavender, violet, pink, and black. Nephrite, however, is most commonly found in shades of green and creamy white. Because the two minerals are similar, distinctions between them are not often made. In fact, gemologists and mineralogists did not initially make the distinction until the 19th century. The two minerals differ in chemical composition and in color. Since jadeite is more rare than nephrite, it generally brings a higher price. The most valuable jade is called imperial jade and is found in Burma. STATE SYMBOL Several spectacular jade specimens, some weighing over 200 pounds, have been found in the Granite Mountains in central Wyoming. Wyoming chose jade as its official state gemstone in 1967. Jade is also the state gemstone of Alaska. NAME ORIGIN The name jade comes from the Spanish words piedra de ijada, or "stone of the hip," because early Amerindians believed it to cure pains and diseases of the kidneys, liver, and spleen. For this reason, the stone was also known by its Latin form, lapis nephriticus, which is where the name nephrite came from. FORMATION AND OCCURRENCE Jadeite occurs in high-pressure metamorphic rocks. It is almost never found in individual crystals, but rather occurs in microscopic interlocking crystals. Nephrite, a variety of the mineral actinolite, is composed of intertwined crystals that form a compact mass. USES Historical Uses Jade has been known to humans for over 7,000 years. Because of its hardness and toughness, jade was used in prehistoric times in axes, knives, and weapons. Ancient people believed that wearing jade would increase their strength and longevity. Since about 5000 BCE, jade has been known in China as yu, or the royal gem. Confucius said there are 11 virtues in jade. It held, and still does, great significance in Asia and was used in the finest objects. Chinese culture so values jade that the Chinese word yu is used in many idioms, sayings, and names. One popular saying is "Gold has a value; jade is invaluable." In pre-Columbian times, the Aztecs, Mayans, and Olmecs of Central America valued jade more than gold. The Maoris of New Zealand carved weapons and instruments from jade in early times, and this tradition continues. Modern Uses Today jade is appreciated for its beauty. Specimens of the most intense color, highest translucency, and smoothest texture demand the highest prices. Because of its smooth texture, jade is often used for carving. It is cut as cabochons and faceted gemstones for jewelry. Jade is also widely used in religious and ornamental objects, figurines, and sculptures. Legend/Healing Ancient Egyptians believed the stone could bring inner peace and balance. In addition to possessing healing properties for the kidneys and neighboring organs, jade is thought to improve the body’s cleansing and filtering processes. BIRTHSTONE Jade is the mystical birthstone for the month of March and the birthstone for the sun sign Virgo. Jade may be given as a gem on the 12th, 30th, and 35th wedding anniversaries. SUBSTITUTES / SYNTHETICS Serpentine (also bowenite), carnelian, aventurine quartz, glass, grossularite, Vesuvianite, soapstone, shoushan stone, and Australian chrysoprase are sometimes sold as jade.	Nephrite Jade Stone Jade Crystal Sliced and Polished Jade Stone Jade Figurine JADE FACTS Group: Jade Chemical Formula: Na(AL,Fe3+)[Si2O6] Crystal Structure: Monoclinic Hardness (Mohs): 6 Color: Apple-green, greenish white, purplish blue, blue-green Transparency: Semi-transparent Refractive Index: 1.654-1.667 Density: 3.35 Streak: White Cleavage: Imperfect
	Some data courtesy of the Mineralogical Society of America Author: World Trade Press