Stone jade: properties and applications

Jade is a semi-transparent viscous mineral, which has a thick matte wax gloss. The appearance of jade strongly resembles jadeite, therefore in English-speaking countries it is still known under the name "jade". Only at the beginning of the century before last, jade and jadeite began to distinguish between themselves, at that time there was a rapid development of mineralogical science. Jade has a more dense color, a smaller specific gravity and a matte color. Like jadeite, nephrite in composition is a compound of silica, but it contains impurities of magnesium, calcium and iron. Stone nephrite, whose properties are comparable with some types of steel, is formed due to a dense intertwining of fibers, reminiscent of felted wool in felt. Because of the high hardness, this material is very difficult to process, but products and jewelry made of jade can survive millennia.

Given that the stone jade, whose properties by ancient peoples were considered truly magical, was known in ancient times, is called "honorable stone" for more prosaic qualities. The conquistadors noted that this stone perfectly keeps the heat. Seafarers were saved from such ailments as renal colic and osteochondrosis, thanks to heated stones attached to the waist.

For us, a nephrite stone, whose properties are really unique, is more accustomed to green, but its palette is much richer. The Chinese especially appreciate the cream and white jade. Red, brown, yellow and almost black jade are much less common. In Europe, the high cost of jade depends on how green it is and the presence of black impregnations in it. Nephrite of emerald green color is considered the most valuable. A stone can have a different degree of transparency than it is higher, the more prized such a jade is. In Eastern Siberia, deposits of stunning white, black, tender green and yellow jade were found, surpassing the quality of stones from all known deposits.

Stone jade: properties and products

Ever since the Neolithic era, the glory of jade begins. It was widely used for the manufacture of arrowheads, axes and weapons. Approximately seven thousand years ago, deposits of jade were present in the whole of China. It was then that one of the first national crafts of the country became carvings on jade. Almost never met such a man who did not wear at least a ring with jade. This stone had a religious meaning, it was appreciated and deified, it surpassed even gold in popularity. The nephrite was attributed and special celestial properties, this was due to the belief in his ability to save life and grant immortality. The emperors were bidden in jade clothes - a dress resembling armor, surrounded by jade furniture, always in a sarcophagus of jade. Maya and the Aztecs gave the stone similar properties, to revive the deceased, he put a pebble in his mouth, closed his face with a ritual mask, and put a jade ring on his finger.

Since ancient times, the Chinese have made of jade all kinds of jewelry, rings, bracelets, pendants and coins. Musical pendants made from thin plates of mineral. Rich ladies wore umbrellas decorated with jade bells. Of large solid stones, it was customary to sculpt sculptures, sometimes the size of the composition was simply amazing. The most important laws were held together by a jade seal. In Asia, this stone was considered a symbol of victory, nephrite was used to decorate weapons and rewards for heroes.

In the East, higher grades were considered light varieties, and in Europe dark green jade was more valuable. At the Peterhof facade factory, a huge number of amazing things were produced: countertops, vases, bowls, mouthpieces, mosaic panels and other things.