Jade (Yu in Chinese Pinyin) has always been one of the favorite gemstones in China, considered a lucky charm and full of virtue. It is still the most popular common gemstone and can be purchased all over China. There are two types of minerals called jade. Jade is the most prized in modern Chinese culture.
Reportedly, the philosopher Confucius expressed this fascination by making jade a metaphor for virtue, goodness, wisdom, justice, civility, music, sincerity, truth, Heaven and Earth. It is believed to have the power to prevent evil and bad luck while encouraging health and good fortune. Chinese culture considers jade to be a lucky stone. For them, it is known as “The Stone of Heaven”.
Jadeite is so precious that there is a saying that goes: “Gold is valuable, while jade is priceless. Jade was worn by kings and nobles and, after death, was placed in the grave as funerary costumes made with pieces of jade. In 1863, the French mineralogist Alexis Damour analyzed the chemical composition of a Burmese jade (extracted only since the end of the 18th century) and a Chinese jade carving, and discovered their differences. Jade and time In prehistoric times, jade was more prized for its hardness, making it an ideal material for weapons, axes, knives and tools.
The beautiful color of jade made it a mysterious stone for the Chinese in ancient times, so jade objects were popular as sacrificial vessels and were often buried with the dead.
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