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Beader’s dictionary


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JADE (See products)

The term Jade refers to a green colored stone, known for more than 7000 years. However, this term refers to two distinct minerals: jadeite and nephrite. Because it is very difficult to differentiate them, the term jade remains. Jade derives its name from the spanish words “piedra de hijada” which mean “kidney stone”, as this stone was used as a talisman to cure or prevent kidney aches. Jadeite and nephrite are used in jewelry making. They are often cut into beads or cabochons, however, they are also used to make decorative and cultural pieces. A little bit of history : Jade has been used with predilection for the past 2000 years by China, to sculpt their art pieces.

Jadeite (See products)

Jadeite is generally a green colored stone, but can be found in almost any other color. It can be transparent to opaque. Jadeite is harder and rarer than nephrite, therefore, it is considered to be a more precious than it. The main deposits are in Myanmar, Canada, the United States of America, Kazakhstan, Japan, Mexico and Russia. Synthetic jadeite as well as several imitation are available.

Nephrite (See products)

Nephrite is similar to jadeite, usually green colored, it can also come in various other color. Though, the most sought after color remains green. Opaque, this stone is usually unicolored but can be cloudy or spotted. Its name is derived from the greek word nephros that means “kidney”. Deposit are mainly in New-Zealand, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the United States, Mexico, Russia, Taiwan and in Zimbabwe. Nephrite is more widespread than jadeite. A little bit of history: Nephrite is sometimes called “axe stone” because it was used to make weapons and tools during prehistoric times.

Jadeite

Jadeite is generally a green colored stone, but can be found in almost any other color. It can be transparent to opaque. Jadeite is harder and rarer than nephrite, therefore, it is considered to be a more precious than it. The main deposits are in Myanmar, Canada, the United States of America, Kazakhstan, Japan, Mexico and Russia. Synthetic jadeite as well as several imitation are available.
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Nephrite (See products)

Nephrite is similar to jadeite, usually green colored, it can also come in various other color. Though, the most sought after color remains green. Opaque, this stone is usually unicolored but can be cloudy or spotted. Its name is derived from the greek word nephros that means “kidney”. Deposit are mainly in New-Zealand, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the United States, Mexico, Russia, Taiwan and in Zimbabwe. Nephrite is more widespread than jadeite. A little bit of history: Nephrite is sometimes called “axe stone” because it was used to make weapons and tools during prehistoric times.