Jade is an ancient stone worshiped across the globe. In Aztec culture, jade was a more prized possession than gold. In China, this precious stone combined with gold symbolized heaven. Its unique physical and chemical properties make jade a great material to work with, so cultures and societies across centuries used it to create jewelry, ornaments, even tools, and weapons. Jade ax heads were quite common, but so were jade musical instruments due to the stone’s incredible sound producing capabilities.

This gorgeous stone is believed to have many powers and extensive healing capabilities. So, let’s take a closer look at jade meaning and properties and see what makes it an excellent addition to your crystal collection.

Jade – Varieties and Colors

Jade is most commonly associated with its stunning, deep green color that speaks to your soul. But there are many varieties of this precious stone, and its colors are each more beautiful than the last.

However, before we go into the different jade colors, it’s essential to know real jade or not. There are only two distinct types of stones referred to as jade – nephrite and jadeite.

Nephrite is the more abundant of the two. With higher concentrations of iron, it will boast a dark green color that almost verges on becoming black. However, if nephrite has higher concentrations of magnesium, its color turns creamy and sandy.

Jadeite is commonly the more prized variety of jade. It comes in an array of colors, going from almost every shade of green to lavender, pink, white, yellow, and even black. Imperial Jade is often the most valued, boasting that signature emerald green color.

Whether it’s nephrite or jadeite, jade is a powerful stone with beneficial healing properties.

Jade Meaning and History

Jade has a long history, being used for tools and ornaments for well over 7,000 years. The earliest artifacts made of jade were common items like buttons and beads, but ancient people quickly started using the gem for knives and spearheads and for mesmerizing ornaments of great value.

In China, jade carving began around 3,000 BC. The imperial gem, jade (or “Yu”), was used for crafting objects of great significance, such as religious figures. Still, it was also common as a decoration and grave furnishing for the imperial family members.

Jade symbolizes humanity’s five virtues in Chinese tradition – wisdom, courage, modesty, compassion, and justice.

In Aztec culture, jade was so highly prized that it was reserved only as an adornment for gods and royalty, symbolizing life and purity.

Ancient Egyptians believed jade to be the gem of love, harmony, and balance.

Every culture that came in contact with this precious stone was enchanted by it. It’s a powerful protective gem whose strength was recognized all around the globe.

Healing Properties of Jade

As a gem symbolizing compassion, purity, and love, jade is often associated with the heart chakra. It’s believed to fill the wearer’s heart with serenity and peace, bringing balance and improving relationships with others.

It helps you find harmony in all aspects of your life, having a positive impact on your overall well being – physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional.

Jade can help to protect you against negative energy, cleansing your mind from negative thoughts and acting as a lucky charm.

As a gem for the heart chakra, jade is believed to be beneficial for heart health, purifying and strengthening your blood, improving your immune system, and boosting your stamina. As the symbol of life, it’s believed to have the power to prolong the wearer’s life.

Jade is commonly known as the dream gem as well. It’s said to bring good dreams and alleviate the stress and anxieties of everyday life.

Attracting Wealth With Jade

While most of the symbolism associated with jade is spiritual and emotional, the gem is also believed to bring wealth and good luck. It promotes creativity and can act as your guide, helping you make better decisions, and keeping you motivated to work harder.

With a positive impact on relationships, jade could attract people who can help you achieve your dreams and goals.

How to Use Jade

Jade is best used as a pendant to keep close to your heart chakra. By directly contacting the skin and heart, the gem can amplify its powers and bring you better luck. However, merely keeping jade close to you or carrying it with you in a purse could also be beneficial.

Jade is an essential precious stone for Feng Shui as it brings balance and harmony and acts as powerful protection against negative energy. So, you could make use of its powers by placing it in strategic locations around your home.

Final Thoughts

Jade is a healer and protector. It’s a gorgeous gem that can improve your relationships, heal your heart, and attract wealth and good fortune. Use it to bring balance and harmony to your life.