Jade stone – properties, virtues & benefits

Nephrite stone, also known as nephrite jade, is a fine stone of mineral origin that has been valued for thousands of years for its beauty and healing properties. Discover its characteristics, virtues and uses in this article.

NEPHRITE CHARACTERISTICS

• Chakra: Heart.
• Properties: Calming, emotional balance, promotes inner peace, strengthens the immune system, relieves physical pain.
• Astrology: Venus.
• Zodiac: Libra.
• Elements: Earth.
• Colors: Green, white, cream, beige.
• Hardness: 6.0 – 6.5 on the Mohs scale.
• Chemical Formula: Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2.
• Associated god: None.

NEPHRITE STONE – ITS HISTORY

Nephrite stone is a rock type belonging to the three varieties of jade, alongside jadeite and kosmochlor. Although they share similarities in appearance and properties, their chemical composition differs. Nephrite has been used since Neolithic times to create tools, jewelry and decorative objects, and has a rich history in Europe, China and New Zealand. Archaeological discoveries have also shown its use on the coasts of North America and Southeast Asia.

In Europe, Nephrite was initially confused with jasper or chalcedony. The French began calling it “ de l’éjade” under the influence of the Spanish, who exchanged “Piedra de ijada”, meaning “kidney stone”. This Spanish name referred to its medicinal use by Central American peoples to treat kidney problems. The stone was also referred to as “nephrite” in the Dictionnaire général in 1667. In 1863, French scientist Alexis Darmour differentiated Nephrite from jadeite, although he was not a geologist by training, but a self-taught enthusiast for the chemical analysis of minerals.

Currently, Nephrite is sometimes used in jewelry as an alternative to jadeite, which is much rarer.

Nephrite stone was known and used in China as early as Neolithic times. Its deposits, which are now depleted, were located in the Ningshao region, in the Yangtze Kiang delta, in Liaoning province, in the Khotan region of Xinjiang and in Inner Mongolia. Deposits of white and greenish Nephrite stones took the form of small veins and were also carried by rivers such as the Yarkand, the Yurungkash (called the “White Jade River”) and the Karakash (called the “Black Jade River”).

The kingdom of Khotan paid an annual tribute to Imperial China for this rock, which was worth more than gold.

For the Chinese, Nephrite stone represents beauty and preciousness, and is considered the most perfect representation of the yang principle in Taoism. Since prehistoric times, it has been considered to have magical properties, and Chinese culture has attributed extraordinary symbolism to it. It embodies virtues such as purity, tranquility, reserve and elegance.

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According to Chinese legends, stone was used to guarantee eternal life and resurrection in the afterlife. It was also used to carve utilitarian and ceremonial objects such as funeral costumes, emblems of various shapes and scepters (Ruyi) for the Emperor to wear during ceremonies. It is considered the “imperial stone” and is closely associated with imperial power.

Its trade was an imperial monopoly and only the Emperor could use tablets carved from this rock for writing. It was also used to indicate the rank of a dignitary or Chinese nobleman or official, by adorning their belt. Princes of the imperial court also each received a tablet carved from this rock featuring particular motifs to identify their rank.

The Chinese fascination with Nephrite stone is explained by its rarity and relative hardness, which symbolize both temporal and sPiritual power.

The Nephrite deposits in China ran out, and the Chinese had to turn to importing minerals from Turkestan, using the Silk Road for trade. This historic trade route enabled trade between the Middle East, India and China via caravans carrying silk, nephrite, tea and porcelain. Imported nephrite was the most prized by the Chinese, and justified continued trade via the Silk Road until the 18th century. Caravans took two different routes around the arid and dangerous Taklamakan desert, stopPing at oases, important crossroads of trade and cultural and religious exchange.

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In New Zealand, Nephrite is called “pounamu” and is considered a treasure in Maori culture. It is used to make weapons, ornaments and tools, as iron is not found on the island. Maoris believe that Nephrite has its own “mana”, meaning “power” or “prestige”. It is passed down in families as a heritage possession and can be offered to seal agreements. Its extraction is strictly regulated and protected by the Treaty of Waitangi.

NEPHRITE STONE – ITS ORIGIN AND COMPOSITION

Nephrite stone is available in two main varieties. The first variety is translucent and has a white or slightly yellow color. It is called “sheep fat” in China. The second variety is more opaque, with colors ranging from white to gray, brown and green. It is called “chicken bone” in China. Nephrite stone is composed of actinote, a ferromagnesian mineral of the silicate family. This mineral is composed of magnesium and calcium silicate. The stone’s green color is due to the presence of iron, which can vary in percentage, ranging from light to dark.

Hardness is 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale, meaning it can be scratched by metals like the blade of a penknife. Its density is fairly high, and varies according to the proportion of iron in its composition. The actinote in this rock is produced by metamorphism or may come from volcanic rocks. Currently, Canada is the largest producer of this stone, but it is also mined in China, Russia and New Zealand.

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NEPHRITE STONE – VERTIES AND PROPERTIES

PSYCHOLOGICAL NEPHRITE

Nephrite stone is associated with honesty and temperance, particularly in a context of power. It is also known to help its wearer develop tolerance and objectivity in their judgment of others, as well as strengthening justice and morality. It can help raise the level of consciousness by combating inadequate moral judgment. The stone is recommended for people working in areas of mediation or negotiation, where balance is essential. It can also help to face reality responsibly.

Nephrite stone is effective in calming chronic nervousness and instability in those who wear it. It is particularly effective in connection with the fourth chakra (the heart chakra) and the sixth chakra (the third eye chakra).

NEPHRITE ON THE PHYSICAL LEVEL

Nephrite stone is known for its physical properties, including raising body temperature and relieving headaches. It is also used to treat chronic physical ailments of nervous origin, such as herpetic lesions and skin disorders linked to nervousness. It’s important to note that lithotherapy is a complement to medication and should never replace a medical diagnosis or prescription.

Nephrite stone is particularly effective for treating kidney and adrenal gland problems. Its name comes from the Greek word “nephros”, meaning “kidneys”. In medicine, acute tubulointerstitial nephritis is a disorder affecting part of the kidney. The use of this stone promotes the elimination of kidney stones through the urine and soothes bladder-related disorders and urinary incontinence, as a complement to medication.

NEPHRITE STONE – CLEAN AND RECHARGE

Nephrite stone is a fine stone that requires regular maintenance to maintain its healing properties. Here’s how to clean and recharge your Nephrite stone:

Cleaning:

• The easiest way to clean your Nephrite stone is to rinse it under running water for a few minutes.
• You can also clean it by placing it in a bowl of salt water for a few hours. Be sure to rinse your Nephrite stone with clear water after this cleaning method.

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• To recharge your Nephrite stone, place it under direct sunlight for a few hours.
• You can also place it on an amethyst or rock crystal geode to recharge it with energy.
• If you prefer a gentler method, you can use the visualization technique by imagining a purifying white light enveloPing your Nephrite stone.

It is recommended that you clean and recharge your Nephrite stone regularly, especially after heavy use or when it appears dull or worn out.

WHERE DOES THE NAME NEPHRITE COME FROM?

The name “nephrite” comes from the ancient Greek “nephros”, meaning “kidney”. The name was chosen because of the ancient belief that Nephrite stone could cure kidney disease and relieve associated pain. This belief dates back to antiquity and has endured to the present day. However, while it may be beneficial to general health, Nephrite stone should not be considered a medical remedy and should not replace treatment prescribed by a healthcare professional.

WHICH CHAKRA DOES NEPHRITIS ACT ON?

Nephrite stone acts primarily on the heart chakra, also known as Anahata in Sanskrit. This chakra is located in the center of the chest and is associated with love, compassion, emotional healing and inner peace. Nephrite stone is often used to balance and stimulate the heart chakra, promoting emotional harmony, self-love and compassion for others.

WHICH ASTROLOGICAL SIGN IS ASSOCIATED WITH NEPHRITE?

The astrological sign associated with the Nephrite stone is Libra. People born under this sign are generally considered kind, peaceful, balanced and seek harmony in their lives. The Nephrite stone is often used to help Libra natives maintain their emotional balance and strengthen their ability to connect with their own hearts and those of others.

NEPHRITE STONE SUMMARY

Nephrite stone is a variety of mineral in the jade family, characterized by its green color. It has been used for millennia to make art objects and jewelry in Asia, particularly China and Japan.

Nephrite stone is also known for its therapeutic properties, notably to relieve lower back pain and kidney problems. It is often used in lithotherapy for its soothing and energizing virtues.

In geological terms, nephrite stone is a metamorphic rock composed of tremolite or actinolite crystals. It is generally extracted from quarries in Asia, New Zealand and South America.

Nephrite stone is considered a gemstone and is often confused with another variety of jade, jadeite. However, nephrite is generally considered softer and less dense than jadeite, making it easier to carve and polish.