African Jade is named for its point of origin. There are two main types of jade—jadeite and nephrite. This month’s jade is
the nephrite variety. Its name comes from the Greek word for “kidney”
because nephrite was thought to cure illnesses of the kidney
and spleen. African Jade is one of the oldest and most culturally influential gemstones, dating back thousands of years.
Nephrite jade is found mainly in its green shade, but it can be seen in
shades of white, grey, brown and yellow. The deep green color is the most sought after for its beauty and value.
In addition to being thought of as a healing stone for internal
organs, jade is also an imperial gemstone, meaning it represents
beauty, purity and grace. Today it is thought to be a stone of dreams
which blesses whatever it touches, as well as possessing restorative powers.
Finally, African Jade alleviates joint pain and fights viral and bacterial infections.