>Jade Facts and Myths-Birthstone
Written by sudha on March 14, 2009>If you find yourself mesmerized by the deep green hue of jade, have no fear. Many have fallen in love with this beautiful piece of gemstone even in ancient times. Aside from its enchanting beauty, there are many myths that surround this seemingly powerful stone. .
Types of Jade
Jade comes from the Spanish phrase “piedra de ijada”, meaning “stone of the loins “. This is because jade was believed to cure diseases related to the loins and the kidney, a belief that is also present in the other cultures. It has two variations: “jadeite” and “nephrite”. Of these two, jadeite is more rare, and is thus more valuable than nephrite. Jadeite also has more color variations than nephrite, and is harder according to the Mohs scale (a scale which determines the hardness of a mineral).
Importance
Throughout history, the Chinese culture places importance on jade, and has fashioned jewelry and ornaments alike – from belt clasps and necklaces to house decorations.
Romantic Jade
One of the myths that surround jade is that it attracts love. People from olden times wore jade to find good luck in romance, as it promises mutual love to its wearer. In the Chinese culture, a butterfly carved from this gemstone is said to be a powerful charm for success in romance. This comes from an old tale wherein a young man chases a butterfly of beautiful colors into the garden of a wealthy man. This situation becomes his four-leaf clover, as the wealthy man ends up giving his daughter’s hand in marriage. This is why the butterfly, as a symbol of good fortune, combined with jade, is believed to bring success in romantic affairs. This nice tale makes one want to wear butterfly jewelry!
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