Jade is a beautiful gemstone that has been around since pre-historic times. It"s often used in jewellery for pendants, earrings and bracelets. Jade has always been valued for its beauty, but also for its legendary meanings, spiritual attributes and healing powers too. Green Jade in particular is said to have calming properties, able to balance the nerves, alleviate shock and allow its wearer to restore natural heart rhythm in times of stress. Jade is the official gem for the 12th anniversary of marriage.

Origin of Jade
Jade is an ancient gemstone that has historically been used to attract love. The history of jade goes back several thousand years when jade was first used to make weapons and tools because of its toughness.

Appearance of Jade
Jade relates to two minerals jadeite or nephrite found as tough fine-grained rocks ideal for carving. It`s usually heavier than it looks and heavier than comparable gems of a similar size and appearance.

Colour of Jade
Jade is considered the luckiest stone in many countries in the world. It occurs in green, white, orange, yellow, lavender, grey and black. The most highly valued jade is a vivid emerald green and is semi-transparent. The emerald green jade called "Imperial Jade" is coloured by chromium. Other colours are influenced by iron i.e. green and brown and manganese is thought to produce the violet colours. Nephrite is usually only green and creamy white, while jadeite can have the full range of jade"s colours.

Varieties of Jade
Jade is an umbrella term that encompasses a variety of gemstones, but the only pure forms of jade are jadeite and nephrite. Jadeite is the rarer of the two varieties of jade, and as a result it is more precious. The most valuable variety of jade is a striking and even emerald green jadeite, known as Imperial Jade. This New Zealand jade is usually nephrite. Spinach-green nephrite from the Lake Baikal region of Russia is known as Russian Jade.

Benefits of Jade
Jade is a stone of the heart. As such, it is related to the heart chakra and has a beneficial effect on all heart chakra related issues. Therefore, in a normal way it can attract and enhance love of all kinds. The soothing green colour of jade makes it a wonderful healing stone. It helps the body in self-healing while working through underlying, non-physical reasons for a precipitation for disease. It is particularly helpful for kidney, heart and stomach complaints. It is also a stone of fidelity and generosity. It is considered to be good for the cardio-vascular system and for emotional balance and stability. Jade is also very helpful as a stone of abundance. Physically, jade is used to heal lung problems, kidney problems, immune system weakness and nervous system overwork.

Many people believe that jade is important to ensure a long, lucky life. Jade is sometimes said to help eye problems. A jade amulet is said to protect a woman in childbirth. A jade can be placed on a sore shoulder or back for healing. Jade usually reminds that there is more to life than what is seen as the physical bodies. Jade gives balance to the body and the spirit, and thus each revitalizes the other. Jade is a powerful gem for relaxation. It reduces stress. People who wear jade reported that they feel calmer and relaxed when they wear jade. It produces a serene or tranquil mood. Jade helps the persons when they are depressed. It offers physical and emotional well-being.