Jade Meanings

Jade is believed to promote the flow of money, fertility, harmony and abundance in one's life. It is thought to help us to enjoy life by dispelling fears based on greed and selfishness, and allows us to share abundance with others. Also, it is believed to stimulate the flow of energy through the body, strengthening the energy and nervous systems.

The name Jade is derived from the Spanish term "piedra de jyada". It means stone of the loin, named by the Spanish conquistadors who brought it back to Europe from Mesoamerica. The French translation was mistakenly printed as "Pierre le jade," leading to the term "jade" being used to refer to two distinct stones. Jadeite, found in South America and Burma, and Nephrite, a variety of Actinolite, derive their names from the Latin "lapis nephrictus," meaning kidney stone. Nephrite was introduced to Europe from China in the 17th century. Additionally, New Zealand's greenstone, or pounamu, is another form of Nephrite. Nephrite usually occurs in three colours: white, deep green and creamy brown. Meanwhile, Jadeite ranges in shades from green blue, leafy green, green black, emerald green or lavender. In prehistoric times, it was used to make tools and weapons and in later cultures, it was carved for its beauty into talismans, religious objects and jewellery. In Chinese culture, jade is revered for its association with longevity and protection. In Māori tradition, it is considered a treasured stone, known for its "mana," or inherent prestige and power. Pounamu, as it is called in New Zealand, is carved into tools, talismans, and ornaments. These precious items are passed down through generations and are often used to seal important agreements, symbolizing respect, strength, and continuity.

The term Jade refers to two types of stones. Nephrite, a calcium magnesium silicate with a hardness of 6 and Jadeite, a sodium aluminium silicate hardness 6.5 to 7. They have monoclinic crystal systems which are finely interlocked making the stone very strong. Nephrite is found in the USA, New Zealand, China, Russia, Taiwan, Poland and Japan. Jadeite is found mostly in Burma also Guatemala, Russia, California and Japan.

I love life, and it flows through me in ever greater abundance.