Jade and Stone: A Comprehensive Analysis of Eastern Treasures

1、 Basic Concepts and Classification of Jade and Stone

Jade can be divided into two categories in mineralogy: hard jade and soft jade. Jadeite specifically refers to jadeite, mainly composed of sodium aluminum silicate, with a Mohs hardness of 6.5-7; Nephrite is represented by Hotan Jade, which is mainly composed of calcium magnesium silicate with Mohs hardness of 6-6.5. The traditional concept of “jade” in China is broader, including more than 20 types of beautiful stones such as serpentine jade (Xiuyu), Dushan jade, turquoise, agate, etc.

Main jade and stone varieties:

• Jadeite: mainly green, also available in purple, red, yellow, white and other colors, mainly produced in Myanmar
• Hotan Jade: including white jade, sapphire, topaz, black jade, etc., Xinjiang Hotan is the most famous
• Xiuyan jade: produced in Xiuyan, Liaoning, mostly green to yellow green in color
• Dushan jade: a specialty of Nanyang, Henan Province, with rich and varied colors
• Turquoise: sky blue to green, Zhushan, Hubei is a famous production area
• 6 Agate: Striped Jadeite, produced in various parts of the country

The physical and chemical properties of jade and stone

Jade has unique physical properties:

• Hardness: Jadeite 6.5-7, Hotan Jade 6-6.5, suitable for carving
• Density: jadeite 3.30-3.36g/cm ³, Hotan Jade 2.90-3.10g/cm ³
• Refractive index: about 1.66 for jadeite, 1.60-1.63 for Hotan Jade
• Structure: Mostly interwoven with fibers, with a tough texture
• Gloss: Glass gloss to oil gloss, warm and introverted

2、The cultural and historical origins of jade and stone

The development trajectory of Chinese jade culture:

Neolithic Age: Jade artifacts from the Hongshan and Liangzhu cultures have reached a considerable level

During the Shang and Zhou dynasties, jade became ceremonial objects, and the “Six Treasures” system was formed

During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, Confucianism endowed jade with moral connotations, stating that ‘a gentleman’s virtue is in jade’

During the Han Dynasty, the culture of burying jade was prevalent, with gold thread jade clothing as a representative

Tang and Song Dynasties: Jadeite becomes a part of daily life, with enhanced decorative functions

Ming and Qing Dynasties: Craftsmanship reached its peak, and large-scale Yushanzi works appeared

The Legend and Symbol of Jade and Stone

Classic legends in Chinese jade culture:

• Heshi Bi: priceless, later carved as a national jade seal
• N ü wa mending the sky: using five colored stones (jade) to mend the sky
• Queen Mother of the West presented jade: King Mu of Zhou received jade as a gift
• Perfect Treasures Returned to Zhao: Lin Xiangru’s Zhibao and Shi Bi

The symbolic meaning of jade:

• Virtues: Benevolence, Righteousness, Wisdom, Courage, and Cleanliness
• Power: The jade seal represents imperial power
• Auspiciousness: warding off evil and receiving blessings
• Eternity: Golden and Jade Fate, Jade Burial Culture

The mystical significance of jade and stone

Feng Shui Function:

• Town house: Jade ornaments placed in auspicious positions at home
• Exorcism: Wearing jade to ward off evil spirits on the body
• ways to attract wealth: themes such as Pixiu and Golden Toad
• Ensuring safety: safety buckle, Guanyin Buddha statue

Energy characteristics:

• Stable Qi Field: Harmonizing the Human Energy Field
• Calming the mind: Relieving anxiety
• Promoting Health: Different Colors correspond to Different Organs
• Enhancing Wisdom: Helping Students Improve Concentration

Chakra correspondence:

• Green jade: corresponding to the heart chakra
• white jade stones: corresponding to the top wheel
• yellow jade stones: corresponding to the solar plexus
• Purple Jade Stones: Corresponding to Eyebrow Wheel

Wearing and maintenance of jade and stone

Wearing instructions:

• male wearing Guanyin, female wearing Buddha
• Pixiu heads should face outward
• left hand intake, right hand exhaust

Maintenance method:

• Regular cleaning: wipe with a soft cloth
• Avoid collision: Store separately
• Keep away from chemicals: perfume, detergent, etc
• Adequate hydration: If not worn for a long time, soak in clean water

Purification method:

• Moonlight Purification
• Crystal Cluster Purification
• Aromatherapy Purification
• Reciting sutras for purification

Conclusion

Jade carries the historical accumulation of Chinese civilization for eight thousand years, and is a perfect combination of material culture and spiritual culture. From the shamanic jade of primitive society, the ceremonial jade of feudal society, to the folk jade of contemporary society, jade has always held a special position in Chinese culture. It is not only a beautiful mineral, but also a symbol of morality, a crystallization of wisdom, and a carrier of art.

In contemporary society, the value of jade is not only reflected in the economic aspect, but also in cultural inheritance and spiritual sustenance. A piece of beautiful jade can not only decorate life, but also purify the soul; It can be invested and collected, as well as passed down through generations. Understanding, appreciating, and cherishing jade is essentially the inheritance and promotion of excellent traditional Chinese culture.