Jade was originally the common term for jade and jadeite, two minerals that are very similar in appearance and in their properties. Nowadays, those minerals are designated as 'jade' that contain mainly jadeite, and those that are composed mainly of nephrite are called 'nephrite'. Jadeite is very rare. It is formed during the metamorphosis of alkaline rocks. The even rarer lavender jade is formed when manganese is present.
Jade in China
Jade has been in existence in China from the Neolithic Period. The Chinese regarded carved-jade objects as intrinsically valuable, and they metaphorically equated jade with human virtues because of its hardness, durability and beauty.
Jade has been used in virtually all periods of Chinese history and generally accords with the style of decorative art characteristic of each period. Thus, the earliest jades, of the Neolithic Period, are quite simple and unornamented; those of the Shang Dynasty (18th-12th century BC), Zhou Dynasty (1111-255 BC), and Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) are commonly and increasingly embellished with animal and other decorative motifs characteristic of those times.
In later periods, ancient jade shapes, designs derived from bronze vessels and motifs of traditional Chinese paintings were used in the carving details of jade ornaments.
Jade and Feng Shui
The Chinese believe that the jade stone has reputed curative properties. The stone can, as many people say, cure ailments from the occasional cough to chronic disorders! A great many have much faith in the Jade stone, and buy it in large quantities.
The Jade is also believed to be an enhancer of longevity - that is, one who adorns the jade stone will be able to achieve a more fulfilled and longer life span.
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