The Crystal Vaults Comprehensive Illustrated Guide to Crystals

 

Your On-Line Guide to

The Healing Energies, Metaphysical Properties,

Legendary Uses and Meaning

of

Jade

Shop for Jade

Introduction to the Meaning and Uses of Jade

Jade is said to bless whatever it touches, serving mankind across the globe for nearly 6,000 years. For primitive peoples in the British Isles, its toughness, and ability to polish and sharpen made it a favored stone for axe heads, knives and weapons. Indigenous tribes of Mexico, Central and South America, and New Zealand carved it into deity masks and ritual artifacts, even cast it into wells as an offering to the water spirits for fresh and plentiful water. Jade has been the most highly esteemed stone in China throughout recorded history, and was valued for its beauty and powers of healing and protection. An endless variety of gems, vessels, incense burners, beads, burial items and statues have been wondrously carved from Jade, as well as musical instruments and pendants inscribed with poetry. [Simmons, 210][Eason, 266, 268]

Jade is most valued for its metaphysical properties. It is the ultimate “Dream Stone,” revered in ancient cultures, as well as today, to access the spiritual world, gain insight into ritualistic knowledge, encourage creativity, and dream-solve. [Melody, 341][Raphaell, 161] It is cherished as a protective talisman, assuring long life and a peaceful death, and is considered a powerful healing stone. [Mella, 87] An amulet of good luck and friendship, Jade signifies wisdom gathered in tranquility, dispelling the negative and encouraging one to see oneself as they really are. [Hall, 152]

In scientific terms, Jade is the name shared by two distinctly different minerals – Nephrite, a calcium magnesium silicate, and Jadeite, a sodium aluminum silicate. Though they have different compositions, hardnesses, densities and crystal structures, both are exceptionally tough stones, similar in appearance, and equally valuable in metaphysical properties. Both occur in the beautiful olive shades we’ve come to recognize as jade green, but have some distinctions.

Nephrite generally occurs in creamy white, mid- to deep olive green, brown and black. It has a smooth surface polish with a waxy sheen and is more commonly found. Jadeite may be a white-gray green, leafy green, blue or blue-green, emerald green, lavender, pink, red, orange, greenish-black or black. It is hard and lustrous, rarer than Nephrite, and usually more expensive. Translucent, emerald green Jadeite, colored by traces of chromium, is called Imperial Jade and is the rarest and most valuable.

The name and character of Jade is associated with many cultures, all referring to its reputed medicinal property of curing calculus stones and disorders of the kidneys or bladder. Yu-Stone to the ancient Chinese, it was called “spleen-stone” by the Mesoamericans. Nephrite is from the Greek word nephros, the kidney. The Spanish named it Piedra de hijada when they conquered the New World (lapis nephrictus in Latin), meaning “Stone of the loin,” or “Stone of the flank.” In a later French translation, the term was misprinted and became “pierre le jade.” [Fernie, 284][Megemont, 97][Simmons, 209]

For metaphysical purposes discussed in this article, and related pages, Nephrite and Jadeite will both be referred to as Jade.

This page will deal primarily with the overall properties of Jade, and attributes specific to Green Jade.

Other colors have additional properties and may be discussed on a separate page. Click the links below for complete listings of those Jades.

Black Jade emanates strong, protective energies to ward off negative assault, physical or psychological, including self limitation.

Blue Jade calms the mind, encouraging peace and reflection, and is valuable in promoting visions and dreams.

Brown Jade is grounding. It connects to the earth and provides comfort and reliability.

Lavender Jade alleviates emotional hurt and provides spiritual nourishment. Its energy is of the highest etheric spectrum.

Orange Jade brings joy and teaches the interconnectedness of all beings. It is energetic and quietly stimulating.

Purple Jade encourages mirth and happiness, and purifies one’s aura. It dispels the negative and increases one’s level of discernment.

Red Jade is a stone of life-force energy, dispelling fear that holds one back, and urges one to action.

White Jade filters distractions, pulls in relevant, constructive information and aids in decision making.

Yellow Jade is cheerful and energetic, a stone of assimilation and discrimination.

 

Jade Uses and Purposes – Overview

Jade is the stone of calm in the midst of storm. Its action balances nerves and soothes cardiac rhythm. A piece of Jade kept in a pocket or on a pendant to stroke from time to time recharges energy, and traditionally guards against illness. Jade may also be used to temper the shock or fear of the very young or very old being cared for in the hospital or away from home and family. [Megemont, 99][Eason, 266]

Jade is excellent for healing feelings of guilt, and for extreme cases of defeatism. It also treats “pathological normality,” an excessive desire to adapt oneself to a group, even if it is sect-like, exaggerated militarism, a follow-the-leader attitude, or the compulsive desire to give in to general opinion to belong no matter the cost. [Megemont, 99]

As a travel stone, Green Jade prevents illness while on holiday, is beneficial for those traveling alone, and protects children and pets from straying or being hurt while on a journey. [Eason, 42] Green Jade also fosters chi, or Life Force energies, and is excellent for hiking, gardening or relaxing out of doors. [Simmons, 210]

Green Jade is a crystal of love. It is supportive of new love, and increases trustworthiness and fidelity. It also inspires love later in life. [Eason, 43]

As a professional support stone, Jade aids doctors, nurses, veterinarians, and all healers in making practical diagnosis and in their applications. It is a support stone for educators, and Jade, carved in the form of a faith symbol, is uplifting to military personnel. [Mella, 130-133]

Jade pendants and necklaces protect against deception and authoritative abuse for financial or sexual gain. Jade signifies peace through strength, and is also helpful in homes or occupations that encounter bullying or intimidation from violent children or teens. [Eason, 268]

Jade Healing Therapies – Overview

(Please note: Information on this web site is no substitute for consulting a health care professional. All information contained on this web site,
including information relating to medical and health conditions, products and treatments, is for informational purposes only.
Please see your doctor or health care professional before starting any alternative treatments, diets, supplements or exercise programs.)

 

Jade Physical Healing Energy

Jade is a powerful cleansing stone, enhancing the body’s filtration and elimination organs. It is excellent for treating the kidneys, spleen and supra-adrenal glands, removing toxins and balancing the fluids and water-salt/acid-alkaline ratios in the body. [Hall, 152][Gienger, 50]

It is helpful to the bones and joints, especially the hips, and for treating bacterial and viral infections, cystitis and genito-urinary infections, and bedwetting. [Eason, 266]

Jade has a restorative property, allowing for both the cellular and skeletal systems to re-bind themselves, and assists in the removal of pain associated with the body’s healing of itself. Jade also helps stitches to bind and heal properly, and has been used to diminish cramps and “Charlie horses.” [Hall, 152][Melody, 343] Imperial Jade is particularly useful in healing after plastic surgery or reconstructive surgery caused by a disfiguring illness or injury. [Eason, 265]

Jade is thought to treat reproductive disorders, especially male, and assist during childbirth. [Hall, 152][Melody, 343] Jade may also be used to help teenage girls with anorexia, and for mothers who are afraid of not knowing how to parent their children. [Megemont, 98-99]

Jade Emotional Healing Energy

Jade is a “dream stone,” releasing negative thoughts and irritability and soothing the mind. It stabilizes the personality, integrating mind with body, to stimulate ideas and make tasks less complex and easier to act upon. Placed on the forehead, it brings insightful dreams. [Hall, 152] Jade improves one’s remembering of dreams and releases suppressed emotions via the dream process. [Melody, 341]

Jade relinquishes self-imposed limitations and assists in cherishing one’s ideals and desires, facilitating the ambition and building of those thoughts into physical reality. Jade provides confidence and self-assuredness, self-reliance and self-sufficiency. [Melody, 341-342]

Imperial Jade improves dysfunctional relationships. It helps restore dignity to anyone who has been mocked for looking different, and gives very overweight people stuck in self-loathing the courage to seek help and persevere with treatment. [Eason, 265]

 

Jade Chakra Healing and Balancing Energy

Green Jade balances and harmonizes the Heart Chakra, aiding in both emotional and physical well-being. [Simmons, 210]

The Heart Chakra is located near the center of the breastbone. It regulates our interaction with the external world and controls what we embrace and what we resist. It gives us the balancing ability to be ourselves within the environment. When the heart chakra is out of balance you may feel either controlling or controlled in a relationship, and become critical of the little foibles of others. You may well find yourself having inappropriately strong emotional responses to everyday external stimuli. Green crystal energy is used to resolve blockages and to re-balance the heart chakra, helping us understand our own needs and emotions clearly.  We can deal with the ebbs and flows of emotional relationships, understand their cyclic nature, and accept the changes.

Jade Spiritual Energy

Jade in all forms has always represented nobility, not only of rank, but of ideals. The wearing of Jade assists in creating magic for the highest good and in protection from harmful or deceitful entities during spirit work. [Eason, 268]

Green Jade is an abundance stone, representing the flow of Divine energy into the reality of one’s life. It brings harmony and happiness in business and family relationships, as well material abundance. It is a reminder to smell the flowers, touch the ones you love, and share your heart with others in affirmation of plenty. [Ahsian, 210]

Jade Color Energy

Green Jade is a “growth crystal” – a powerful conduit of the earth’s Life Force of birth, development, and creation, and of the power of nature’s constant renewal. It is a potent aid in nurturing, whether of fledgling family relationships or a new business venture. Green Jade is perfect for keeping a venture on course, a project on schedule, and life on track. Lighter Green crystals promote spiritual growth and renewed commitment to a higher purpose. Those of a darker hue are talismans of physical growth and strength, and safety in travel.

Olive Jade combines the green rays of growth with the yellow rays of pure sunshine, a time of development, strength and maturity. It enhances our receptiveness to new meanings and ideas, and lights the path to wisdom and understanding. It is a talisman of the search for knowledge and enlightenment. In lighter shades, Olive Jade provides the perseverance needed in our quest for understanding the natural universe, efforts that require deep concentration, determination, and endurance for mental challenges. In deeper tones, Olive Jade is a “Study Stone,” aiding us in the long quest for a higher state of understanding or awareness. It is excellent for achieving goals that need deep constancy and long-term purpose – not wild, exuberant growth, but the slow, steady development and deep caring of a life’s calling.

Shop for Jade

Meditation with Jade

Olive shades of Jade are particularly conducive to meditation. Prayer beads or a beaded necklace works well. Finger the beads, one by one, and for each recite a rhythmic slow four- or five-word phrase or mantra, such as “May all be at peace.” Go around and around the beads until you are in a state of deep relaxation. [Eason, 267]

Jade Divination

The Divinatory meaning of Jade: By acting unselfishly now you are storing goodwill for yourself in the future. Any personal inconvenience will almost immediately be more than compensated for. [Eason, 268]

Jade and the Angelic Realm

If your birthday falls in any of the following periods, a Green Jade of the color listed can be a valuable conduit to your Guardian Angel. The table also provides the name of the Guardian Angel of those born in the time period.

Date	Crystal Color	Name of Guardian Angel
January 1-5	Green	Nemamiah
April 15-20	Lt. Olive	Lelahel
June 6-10	Green	Hakamiah
July 7-11	Lt. Green	Ieiaeil (Jejalel)
September 3-7	Green	Yehudiah
September 8-12	Dk. Green	Lehahiah
September 24-28	Lt. Olive	Anael
December 27-31	Dk. Green	Poiel (Polial)

 

There are other Angels that are partial to Green Jade. The table below gives you the information about them.

Purpose	Crystal Color	Name of Angel
Raphael is known as the Glory Angel; Tree of Life, the Angel of Wednesday, the Ruler of  Mercury. He is also the Master of Tarot Card 0 “The Fool” and the 1st Tarot Card “The Magician”. Raphael also Heals Illness and is the Ruler of The west wind. He is the Angel of Compassion, Knowledge, Progress, Repentance, and Love.	Dk. Green	Raphael
Master of the 11th Tarot Card “Justice”.	Dk. Green	Chadaqiel
Protector and Ruler of the dates Sept.8-12; Virgo.	Dk. Green	Lehahiah
Protector and Ruler of the dates December 27-31; Capricorn.	Dk. Green	Poiel
Protector and Ruler of the dates March 31- April 4; Aries.	Dk. Green	Sitael
Guardian of the Third Mansion of the Moon; Aries.	Dk. Olive	Anixiel
The Angel of the Birds.	Green	Arael
Angel of Mercury.	Green	Cochabiel
Protector and Ruler of the dates June 6-10; Gemini.	Green	Hakamiah
Metatron is the Crown Angel, the Tree of Life, and helps to Heal Learning Disorders. HE is also the Master of the 20th Tarot Card “Judgment”.	Green	Metatron
Protector and Ruler of the dates January 1-5; Capricorn.	Green	Nemamiah
Master of the 18th Tarot Card “The Moon”.	Green	Vakhabiel
Protector and Ruler of the dates September 3-7; Virgo.	Green	Yehudiah
Helps to Heal Anxiety and the Angel Tuesday.	Lt. Green	Chamuel (Khamael)
Protector and Ruler of the dates July 7-11; Cancer.	Lt. Green	Ieiaeil
Ruler of Earth/Night and the Angel of Conception/Babies Names.	Lt. Green	Lailah (Lailiel) (Leliel)
Shimshiel or Shamshiel is known as the Ruler of Earth/Day. He is also the Master of the 19th Tarot Card “The Sun”.	Lt. Green	Shimshiel (Shamshiel)
Protector and Ruler of the dates Sept.24-28; Libra. And is the Master of the 15th Tarot Card “Devil”, and is also the Master of the 3rd Tarot Card “The Empress”. Anael is also the Angel of Friday and the Ruler of the planet Venus.	Lt. Olive	Anael
Protector and Ruler of the dates April 15-20; Aries.	Lt. Olive	Lelahel
Guardian of the Eighth Mansion of the Moon; Cancer.	Olive	Amnediel
Oriel is the Angel of Destiny.	Olive	Oriel
Angel of Strength	Olive	Zueruel

 

Jade Goddess Crystals

Jade honors Bona Dea, the Roman Earth Goddess of Fertility and the Greek Goddess of Women. She protects women through all of their changes, and is a skilled healer, particularly with herbs.

Jade honors Chalchiuhtlicue, the Aztec Water Goddess and Protector of Children. Her name means “Jade Skirt” or “Lady of Precious Green.” She’s the mother of lakes, streams, and rivers.

Jade honors Kuan-Yin, the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, Compassion, and Unconditional Love. She is the most beloved of the Chinese goddesses and is regarded by many as the protector of women and children, and champion of the unfortunate.

Jade honors Maat, the Egyptian Goddess of Justice. She represents the underlying holiness and unity of the Universe.

Jade honors the Moirae, the Three Goddesses of Fate. They appear three nights after a child’s birth to figure out the course of the child’s life, each having a different part to play in determining his fate.

Jade is also used to honor Brigit, the Irish Goddess of Fertility; Coatlicue, the Aztec Goddess of Life, Death, and Rebirth; Dione, the Phoenician Earth Goddess; Hine-Nui-Te-Po, the Polynesian Goddess of the Night; and Tara, the Buddhist “Savioress” Goddess.

Birthstones

There are several ways to find an appropriate birthstone. The traditional one is listed first. These are from the popular lists that most people are familiar with. The second way is to find your natural birthstone by the color wheel of life. You can click on the Natural Birthstone graphic below to learn more. Finally many people use the traditional stones of the Zodiac.

In this section you will find information on all three approaches.

Jade Traditional Birthstone

Jade is not a traditional birthstone.

 

 

Jade Natural Birthstone.

Jade which is green in color is the natural birthstone of those fortunate enough to be born in the heart of spring (April 20 – May 20). Green crystals bring you renewal, success in new ventures, and good health.

Jade which is olive in color is one of the natural birthstones of those born in the magical month of awakening, as the greens of spring are giving way to the bright yellows of the approaching summer (May 21 – June 20). Olive crystals bring you awakening, exuberance, learning, and meaning.

 

Jade – Zodiac Stone of Taurus

Jade is the traditional zodiac stone for those born in the heart of spring under the sign of Taurus, from April 20 – May 20. Taurus is depicted as a bull because of its characteristics of being strong but quiet, and is ruled by the planet Venus that also rules Libra. Taureans are known for being “down to Earth,” the doers and the realists. They are affectionate, known for their tempers and very stubborn.

Jade is also a traditional stone for those born under the sign Libra, between September 23 and October 22, the middle of the harvest. Libra is the only sign that is an inanimate object – a balance beam, referred to as The Balance. During this month the days and nights are equal length, and the Earth and Sun are in balance. Librans are very strong-willed, artistic, sensitive, and respectful. They are understanding and relate well to other people.

Jade Amulets and Talismans

The Chinese have always valued Jade for its talismanic properties. Jade amulets are still carried and given today for protection and to focus its powerful energies. One amulet representing two men is called “Two Brothers of Heavenly Love,” and is often given to friends. A phoenix of Jade is a favorite of young girls and is bestowed upon them when they come of age. The figure of a man riding on a unicorn and holding castanets in his hand is given to newlyweds, signifying an heir will be born in due time. A child’s amulet assuming a form approximating a padlock, attached to the neck, is supposed to bind the child to life and protect it from all danger and infantile diseases. [Kunz, 84-85]

Jade amulets placed in the mouths of the dead were important to the cultures of the ancient Chinese, Egyptians, and aborigines of Mesoamerica, denoting rank of the deceased and providing protection in the afterlife. [Kunz, 85-87]

Jade is a Guardian Harmonizer talisman. The Guardian talismans do not reveal their inner strength. These stones rarely, if ever, form transparent crystals. Rather, they hide their strength behind an opaque mask, obscuring the power they possess. In the physical world they are fantastic amulets for protecting your loved ones, your possessions, and your physical security. In the spiritual world, Guardian crystals serve to guard your beliefs against doubt, helping you keep true to your ideals and reinforcing your strength of character. The Guardian crystals can also protect your spirits during trying and difficult times.

Harmonizers, called the chain and band silicates, bind together in a long chain, distributing energy in a balanced, long-term way. They encourage efforts aimed at smoothing a path through difficulties, promoting harmonious relationships within a larger group, like family, and a peaceful acceptance of life’s inherent situations. Jade’s Guardian crystal structure, its Harmonizer earth power, and its green color ray provide a powerful combination for ensuring long-term mutual understanding and cooperation.

Jade Feng Shui

Jade utilizes Wood energy, the energy of growth, expansion, new beginnings, nourishment and health. It enhances vitality, brings abundance, and keeps us growing physically. Use green crystals to enhance any space used for eating, in the room of a small child, or in a place of your home where you are beginning a new project. Wood energy is traditionally associated with the East and Southeast areas of a home or room. It is associated with the Family and Health area, and the Prosperity and Abundance area.

Jade dragons, fish and frogs, as well as statues of Buddha are particularly good luck and prosperity stones. They symbolize the Chinese element of wood and springtime, and are often placed in the east of the home to bring new beginnings, gentle growth, health and opportunity

Jade in Ancient Lore and Legend

In Asia, Jade is revered as a noble stone. In antiquity, its medicinal use was subject to strict laws and breaking a Jade object was immediately punishable by death. It was accorded solar qualities, accredited with yang energy, and was believed to be a panacea, the remedy for all diseases. The Chinese alchemist Ko-hung thought gold and Jade, placed in the nine openings of the deceased, would prevent the body from decaying, and placing pearls, said to contain yin energy, in the burial place would ensure rebirth and reincarnation. [Megemont, 2]

The Incas and Aztecs used Jade knives to tear out the hearts of the human sacrifices they offered to make the rebirth of the sun and rain god possible. [Megemont, 98]

The medicinal virtues of Jade widely favored throughout the ancient Asian continent, was later introduced to Europe and the New World. In addition to its powers to heal the spleen and kidneys, Jade, when ground to a powder the size of rice grains, was believed to strengthen the lungs, heart, vocal chords, and to prolong life, especially if gold or silver were added to the powder. An elixir with equal parts of jade, rice, and dew-water were boiled down and strained to create a “divine liquor of jade,” said to strengthen muscles and make them supple, harden bones, calm the mind, enrich the flesh, and to purify the blood. Whoever took this for an extended time ceased to suffer from heat or cold, and never felt hunger or thirst. [Kunz, 385]

In the seventh century, the philosopher Khivan Ghung declared the contemplation of Jade revealed nine of the highest attainments of humanity: in its glossy smoothness, Benevolence; in its bright polish, Knowledge; in its unbending firmness, Righteousness; in its modest harmlessness, Virtuous action; in its rarity and spotlessness, Purity; in its imperishableness, Endurance; in the way it exposes its flaws, Ingenuousness; in retaining its beauty though passing from hand to hand, Moral conduct; and in being struck giving forth a note that floats sharply and distinctly to a distance, Music. He believed it was these qualities that made men esteem the Jade as most precious, and to regard it as a diviner of judgments, and as a charm of happy omen. [Fernie, 285-286]

The yashpheh, or twelfth stone in the breastplate of the high priest, Aaron, was most likely Jade and was inscribed with the tribal name, Assher. [Kunz, 300]

A piece of Jade carved in the form of a butterfly has special significance in China. The legend speaks of a youth in pursuit of a many-hued butterfly who made his way into the garden of a rich mandarin. Instead of being punished for the trespass, his visit led to his marriage with the mandarin’s daughter. The figure of a butterfly is a symbol of successful love, and bridegrooms desire to present Jade butterflies to their fiancées. [Kunz, 84]

At nuptial feasts in China, both bride and groom often drink from a Jade cup shaped in the form of a cock, derived from the legend of a beautiful white cock who saw its young mistress, who had often petted it, throw herself into a well in despair at the loss of her lover. The faithful fowl found death in the same way so as not to be separated from its mistress. [Kunz, 85]

The use of Jade to produce musical sounds dates far back into Chinese annals. A series of oblong pieces of jade of varying thicknesses, when struck, produces different notes. The “stone chime” used in court and religious ceremonies is composed of 16 undecorated stones, while the “singers’ chime” consists of 12 to 24 pieces carved into various shapes. Legends claim Confucius took solace in playing the “musical stone” when he was troubled from his unsuccessful attempts to reform the Chinese morals of his day. [Kunz, 87]

A neck carving of Jade, called a hei-tiki, was of great importance to the Maoris tribes of New Zealand. The ornaments, rude and grotesque representations of the human face or form represented a departed ancestor, and was said to give something of his being to the next wearer. When a head of the family died, his hei-tiki was buried with him, but exhumed after a time by the nearest male relative. If no representative remained, it was allowed to remain in the grave. So rare was this Jade, that a tohunga, or wizard, was necessary to learn where it could be found. After arriving in the region where Jade was usually found, the tohunga would fall into a trance, and upon awakening, would lead the jade-seeker party to the piece of Jade that was then given the name of the man whose spirit had revealed its location. [Kunz, 88-89]

Since Jade was considered a stone to inspire the mind to quick and precise decisions, ancient traders would hold it in the palm of the right hand while making business transactions. Ancient Greeks used the soothing and healing color for ailments of the eyes, placing a piece of Jade directly on the eyelids or in a cleansing eye solution. Others ground Jade into powder and used it as an antidote for snake and rodent bites, or as an elixir for stomach ailments. [Mella, 87]

Shop for Jade

Footnote References

 

The symbols [  ] enclose the author’s name and a page number for a reference cited from the following books:

[Ahsian, pp.] Robert Simmons & Naisha Ahsian, The Book of Stones (Berkley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 2007).

[Eason, pp. ]Cassandra Eason, The New Crystal Bible (London: Carlton Books Ltd., 2010).

[Fernie, pp.] William T. Fernie, The Occult and Curative Powers of Precious Stones (Blauvelt, NY: Rudolph Steiner Publications, 1973).

[Gienger, pp.] Michael Gienger, Healing Crystals (Scotland: Earthdancer Books, 2009).

[Hall, pp.] Judy Hall, The Crystal Bible (Cincinnati, OH: Walking Stick Press, 2003).

[Hall 2, pp.]Judy Hall, The Crystal Bible 2 (Cincinnati, OH: Walking Stick Press, 2009).

[Kunz, pp.] George Frederick Kunz, The Curious Lore of Precious Stones (New York: Dover Publications, 1971).

[Megemont, pp.] Florence Megemont, The Metaphysical Book of Gems and Crystals (Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 2008).

[Mella, pp.] Dorothee L. Mella, Stone Power II (Albuquerque, NM: Brotherhood of Life, Inc., 1986).

[Melody, pp.] Melody, Love Is In The Earth (Wheat Ridge, CO: Earth-Love Publishing House, 1995).

[Raphaell, pp.] Katrina Raphaell, Crystal Enlightenment (Santa Fe, NM: Aurora Press, 1985)

[Simmons, pp.] Robert Simmons & Naisha Ahsian, The Book of Stones (Berkley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 2007).