Of the many stones in the world the most beautiful is Jade. In Chinese culture jade has a very prestigious status. People believe that jade can bring peace and good luck. Jade is also warm, sleek and lustrous, representing the noble quality of humankind. Hence it is highly appreciated.

The types of jade

Jade is mainly divided into two types, jadeite and nephrite, which both have their own different subcategories. The subcategory most associated with jadeite is known as emeralds, and the best-known subcategory of nephrite is Hotan jade.

Emerald has many different colors, such as green, red, yellow, and purple, but the best ones are mainly green.

Hotan jade is one of China's Four Famous Jade. It generally refers to the jade which was produced in the Hotan area of Xinjiang. This kind of jade also has multiple colors like white, cyan, gray, dark green, brown, ink, etc. One of the most famous is the white jade, a quite rare type. The color is like suet and anyone who touches it would feel warm and humid.

Emerald

Hotan Jade

The implications of jade

Jade is endowed with many meanings because of its beautiful appearance and strength. During ancient times, emperors believed that jade was created by nature and has the power to control all things. Some ritual instruments were made of jade. People also think that jade gathers the essence of heaven and earth with magic. Jade has been a symbol of noble morality since ancient times.

It is believed that jade has five virtues:

1. Benevolence. Jade is warm and shiny to the touch, and is gradually formed after being tempered by wind and rain in nature, representing "benevolence" in Confucian culture.

2. Righteousness. Jade has a transparent texture, which means we can see beyond its surface to within, so its purity can be easily seen.

3. Wisdom. Tapping jade can make a clear and melodious sound that can be heard some distance away. This represents knowledge that can spread far and wide.

4. Courage. There is an old saying that " It is better to perish than to live as slaves". For thousands of years, the Chinese nation has upheld this indomitable spirit.

5. Nobility. When jade breaks, the fracture doesn’t reach the surface and make sharp edges. This shows that jade has its own integrity, and does not hurt others. Jade always remains chaste.

Many literati and scholars of ancient times wore jade, because of its purity, flawlessness and the meanings and virtue it represents. Let's take a look at some common jade ornaments.

jade pendant

jade bracelet

jade hairpin

In addition, there are many more things made with jade, such as rings, earrings, bowls, chopsticks, wine glasses, flutes, chess pieces, etc.

If you check the names of your friends, you may find that some Chinese people have also borrowed jade into their own names. There is a saying in China, "To become a gentleman is like cutting and grinding a stone to make it a jade."  A gentleman whose training and education produces words and deeds that are very elegant, is like a carefully carved jade. Chinese parents want their children to have the qualities of jade, so they chose some Chinese characters for jade when naming their children.

Such as, 琼(qiónɡ)、琳(lín)、玲(línɡ)、珏(jué)、珩(hénɡ)、瑜(yú)、环(huán). These characters all have a specific radical in them which shows they are related to jade. Some represent one kind of jade and the others represent some special jade ware. Therefore, when you see a person's name with this special radical , you know that his or her parents hope that they can become a person as wonderful as jade.

Now, do you know why Chinese people love "jade" so much?  Think about it, how many Chinese characters that are associated with jade?