Stone: Nephrite Jade

Nephrite Jade - Image by Sonatona

Country of Origin: New Zealand, China, Canada, Russia, Australia, Brazil

General Information: Jade is one of the oldest and most important gemstones, with a history dating over 7,000 years. It is especially prized throughout Chinese and Latin American cultures, often holding more value than gold. The name 'nephrite' was derived from the Greek word for 'kidney', which refers to its supposed ability to cure kidney disease. Nephrite is one of two distinct mineral forms classified as jade (the other is jadeite) and up until 1863, nephrite was believed to be one and the same as jadeite.

Physical Properties: Nephrite is a fibrous aggregate variety of tremolite-actinolite, a basic calcium magnesium iron silicate, whereas jadeite is a pyroxene mineral. Nephrite is more common than jadeite and although it is slightly softer than jadeite, it is considered tougher due to its denser structure. 

Metaphysical properties: Since ancient times, nephrite jade has been used by many cultures for its powers. It was often used in burial ceremonies, since jade was believed to be an 'imperial gem'. Nephrite Jade is a protective stone that will transmute negative energies in your life into positive and uplifting ones. Nephrite Jade also helps open the Heart Chakra to allow good fortune to flow naturally into one's experience of this physical realm.

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Stone: Amazonite

Amazonite - Image by Sonatona

Country of Origin: Russia, USA, Brazil, Madagascar, Australia

General Information: Amazonite is also known as the Amazon Stone. Amazonite is a light green to light bluish-green color gemstone, with a soft and attractive color that can closely resemble that of nephrite and jadeite. It is sometimes erroneously referred to as 'Colorado jade' or 'Pikes Peak jade' because of its close resemblance.

Physical Properties: Amazonite is variety of green microcline feldspar. The feldspars are a fairly homogenous group of rock-forming tectosilicates that make up nearly 60% of the Earth’s crust. 

Metaphysical properties: Amazonite is a great stone and works on calming all your chakras. Not only that, it will help you balance your masculine and feminine energies so that you will be able to utilize them in the most positive way. Amazonite is an appropriate stone for Aquarians, promoting vitality for all those who wear it. Often worn by gamblers, amazonite is said to attract luck and good fortune. When worn as an amulet, it can protect against a wide variety of ailments and diseases. 

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