Ä [40] PODS Crystals, Gem, Gematra (93:9300/0) ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ LAPIDAR Ä
 From : Tandika Star                        93:9600/5       Wed 31 Mar 93 19:57 
 Subj : Jade                                                                    
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TREMOLITE (JADE)

SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION: Tremolite is a calcium, magnesium and iron silicate.
When the iron content is high, it is called actinolite. The chemistry is
Ca2(mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2. The streak is colorless, although the mineral itself can
range in color from white to dark grey, yellowish, pink to lilac. We commonly
tend to think of "jade" as green, but as you can see, it is actually available
in many colors. The hardness is between 5 and 6.

ENVIRONMENT: Tremolite is a product of metamorphism and occurs with calcite and
grossular in hornfels of contact metamorphic rocks and with talc in
serpentinites of hydrothermal metamorphic rocks.

OCCURENCE: There are many localities where fine tremolite specimens may be
obtained. Crystals of up to 3" in length occur inmarble at Haliburton and
Wilberforce, Haliburton Co., Ontario and granular masses of pink tremolite
(hexagonite) at De Kalb, St. Lawerence Co., New York. White and greenish
crystals occur in calcite at Canaan, Litchfield Co., Connecticut.

GEMSTONE DATA: The Amphibole mineral nephrite, which consists of combined
tremolite and actinolite, is dense, compact, tough. Semitransparent to
translucent varieties of nephrite are called [jade.] Nephrite jade colors are
white, all shades of green, gray, grayish (with tinge of blue, red, or green),
brown, and lavender. Value increases with transparency, intensity and evenness
of color, and freedom from flaws. Jade is fashioned into beads, earrings, and
cabochons for rings and brooches, or carved into ornamental or religious
objects. Nephrite jade comes from Alaska, British Columbia, Wyoming, China and
Siberia.

NAME: Tremolite is from the occurence in Val Tremolo in the Swiss Alps. The word
'jade' is derived from the Spanish [pietra d'ijada] which means 'colic stone'.
In China, where jade has been venerated for thousands of years, over a hundred
different names are in use for different color varieties.

LEGEND and LORE: Jade ornaments and implements of great antiquity have been
discovered both in those parts of the world in which the mineral is found and in
places far distant from these. It is the 'greenstone' so highly esteemed by the
Maoris of New Zealand who carved it into pendants, sometimes representing their
hero Tiki, and into chieftans' war clubs. It has been carved in Central America
for well over a thousand years and the ancient Mayas prized it above gold. In
ancient China a prospective bride would present her betrothed a jade butterfly
to seal their engagement. Likewise the bridegroom would give his sweetheart a
gift of jade before their wedding.

MAGICAL PROPERTIES: Jade is considered one of the most important symbols of
purity and serenity. It is also revered as an ancient symbol of love. The Maoris
regard Jade as a stone that brings luck, especially specimens that are dark
olive-green in color. The ancient Chinese felt that Jade helps to inspire the
mind to make quick and precise decisions. The ancient trader would often hold
this gem in the palm of his right hand while he engaged in business
transactions. Carved into a scarab, Jade is said to bring its owner a long and
prosperous life. It is also said that wearing Jade while gardening will improve
the health of the plants. Similarly, small pieces of Jade can be buried along
the perimeter for this purpose. It is worn for protection during defensive
magical workings.

HEALING: Jade has been called "colic stone", "spleen stone" and "stone of the
loins". It is said that by tying jade to the arm, stones in the kidneys can be
expelled. The ancient Greeks used this mineral for healing ailments of the eyes.
Wearing Jade helps the body to heal itself while working on the underlying,
nonphysical problems which cause the disease in the first place.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: I use Jade as a Heart Chakra stone, for those that feel
threatened or frightened. I've also used it to control swelling of various
glands in the face and neck, by placing it directly over the gland. Before I had
a piece of Malachite, I used it on my broken arm. It seemed to help the break
heal. It was NOT successful on the damage done to the nerves and tendons in my
wrist, however. The Malachite worked better.

-------bibliography-------

1. Scientific, Environment, Occurence and Name are from (or paraphrased from)
"The Audobon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals".

2. Additional information about the Name and Legends and Lore are from
"Gemstones" by E. H. Rutland.

3. Legends and Lore, Magical Properties are from "Cunningham's Encyclopedia of
Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic", by Scott Cunningham.

4. Some of the healing information may come from "Color and Crystals, A Journey
Through the Chakras" by Joy Gardner.

5. Personal Experience is from MY personal experience, journals and notebooks,
by  Tandika Star.

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