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Faizan
The difference between jadeite and jade, which became apparent in the mid-19th century, is a matter of chemical definition. Jadeite is actually one aspect of jade, as jade is a term used to encompass jadeite as well as another stone, nephrite. These stones classified as jade are semi-precious gems that form in an array of colors. Historically, where each was found, it was valued spiritually as well as aesthetically for thousands of years by cultures in the Old and New Worlds. Today they are still valued as a gemstone for their beauty and cultural meaning.
Discovery
At one time, nephrite and jadeite were considered to be the same stone, as they can be close to each other in physical appearance. In a study published in the 1863 edition of "Comptes Rendus Hebdomadaires Des Séances De l'Académie Des Sciences," the French mineralogist Alexis Damour proved that jade was actually two stones. Despite Damour's discovery, and the subsequent renaming, the term jade is still commonly used today.
Jadeite and Nephrite Differences
Nephrite is a variety of the mineral actinolite, an amphibole which contains magnesium, iron and calcium. Nephrite forms in shades of gray, brown, yellow, white and green, and of these colors gray and green are more common. Jadeite is a sodium aluminum silicate, and is classified as a variety of pyroxene. It is harder and rarer than nephrite, tends to form in greens, browns, whites, blues and reds -- though like nephrite greens and whites are more common. Also, jadeite tends to form brighter colors than nephrite.
Origin of the Name Jade
The name jade comes from the Spanish "piedra de ijada", which means "stone of the side" or "stone of the flanks," as the Maya believed jade would cure, among other things, kidney problems. This term was shortened to ijada. The term ijada then became part of the French language as "l'ejade." This French version entered English language where it was anglicized to the modern "jade."
Origin of the Name Jadeite
The word jadeite is a combination of the word jade and the suffix "ite". Damour was the first to propose the name jadeite for the pyroxene mineral, as a way to distinguish the two kinds of jade by name.
Discovery
At one time, nephrite and jadeite were considered to be the same stone, as they can be close to each other in physical appearance. In a study published in the 1863 edition of "Comptes Rendus Hebdomadaires Des Séances De l'Académie Des Sciences," the French mineralogist Alexis Damour proved that jade was actually two stones. Despite Damour's discovery, and the subsequent renaming, the term jade is still commonly used today.
Jadeite and Nephrite Differences
Nephrite is a variety of the mineral actinolite, an amphibole which contains magnesium, iron and calcium. Nephrite forms in shades of gray, brown, yellow, white and green, and of these colors gray and green are more common. Jadeite is a sodium aluminum silicate, and is classified as a variety of pyroxene. It is harder and rarer than nephrite, tends to form in greens, browns, whites, blues and reds -- though like nephrite greens and whites are more common. Also, jadeite tends to form brighter colors than nephrite.
Origin of the Name Jade
The name jade comes from the Spanish "piedra de ijada", which means "stone of the side" or "stone of the flanks," as the Maya believed jade would cure, among other things, kidney problems. This term was shortened to ijada. The term ijada then became part of the French language as "l'ejade." This French version entered English language where it was anglicized to the modern "jade."
Origin of the Name Jadeite
The word jadeite is a combination of the word jade and the suffix "ite". Damour was the first to propose the name jadeite for the pyroxene mineral, as a way to distinguish the two kinds of jade by name.
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