For those born in March, the traditional birthstones are aquamarine and bloodstone, yet a compelling alternative exists steeped in ancient tradition: jade. While modern lists prioritize the sea-blue hues of aquamarine, and historical accounts acknowledge bloodstone, Tibetan astrology and mystical traditions recognize jade as the birthstone for March, embodying the spirit of spring and offering a unique blend of luck, longevity, and resilience. This article will explore the history, lore, and significance of jade as a March birthstone, drawing upon its cultural context and gemological properties. It will delve into the stone's geological formation, its journey through history as a revered talisman, and the scientific characteristics that define it, providing a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
History and Lore
The association of jade with March originates in ancient Tibetan astrology, where it was specifically designated as the stone for this month. This contrasts with the Western tradition, which developed its birthstone lists based on biblical references and evolving gemological preferences. The standardization of birthstone lists began in 1912 with the National Association of Jewellers (now Jewellers of America), and was later updated in 1952 by the Jewelry Industry Council of America, solidifying aquamarine and bloodstone as the primary March birthstones. However, these lists often included alternatives, and the inclusion of jade reflects its long-held cultural significance.
Jade’s history extends far beyond its association with a single month. Across cultures, particularly in China, jade has been revered for millennia. It's known in Chinese lore as the "Stone of Heaven," symbolizing longevity and even immortality. These positive attributes mirror the kind of well-wishing symbolism often sought in birthstones. The stone has been cherished in the old Tibetan calendar as March's special stone, a tradition stemming from ancient astrology and cultural lore rather than the modern commercial list.
Interestingly, some sources cite jade as an "historic" birthstone for May-born people, likely due to jade's alignment with the spring season and the zodiac sign Taurus. However, for March, its selection in older traditions is clear. Beyond regional availability, jade's symbolic meanings made it a natural fit. It has been revered as a symbol of purity, wisdom, and prosperity across cultures. Its vibrant green color is associated with vitality and renewal—qualities that suit the springtime when nature reawakens.
Many believed jade could bring good luck, health, and even longevity to its wearer. Visually, jade's green hues also resonate with March's identity. Aquamarine might evoke the sea, but jade evokes the green shoots of spring. There's a natural harmony in wearing green jade in March – it feels seasonally appropriate and uplifting.
Furthermore, jade holds a significant place in zodiac lore, particularly for the sign of Pisces. Pisces is the zodiac sign that covers most of late February and March (February 19 to March 20), and many gemstone traditions associate jade with Pisces-born individuals. In fact, jade is considered one of the birthstones for Pisces in older astrological lore. Pisces, a water sign known for its empathy, creativity, and a touch of dreaminess, is believed to benefit from jade's grounding yet luck-bearing energy.
An intriguing historical nuance emerges when examining the biblical origins of March's traditional birthstone. While jasper or iaspis was the name of the March birthstone from the Bible, the gem may in fact have been jade. The ancients identified stones primarily by color, not by chemical composition. Iaspis was described in the 1st century as a “green stone that is often translucent.” This description fits jade better than it does the modern-day jasper. Western cultures were aware of jade, but did not identify the gem separately and simply classified jade as a variety of jasper. In 1295, for instance, Marco Polo visited mines of nephrite jade in Khotan, Turkestan, and called their stone jasper. The translucent jade, not the opaque jasper, must have been the gem on Aaron’s breastplate, as well as the 1st Foundation Stone of Revelation. Hence, jade must be the birthstone of the 1st sign of the zodiac, Aries, and the partially concurrent month of March.
Geological Formation and Sources
Jade is not a single mineral but a term applied to two distinct metamorphic rocks: nephrite and jadeite. By 1863, jade was discovered to consist of not one mineral alone, but two chemically unrelated minerals, distinguished from each other by the names jadeite and nephrite. Jadeite brings us an intensely green gemstone, which is among the world’s most expensive, while the affordable nephrite comes in a milky green shade.
The formation of jade is a result of high-pressure metamorphism, typically in tectonic plate collision zones. Nephrite, the tougher of the two, is composed of interlocking fibrous crystals of actinolite-tremolite amphibole minerals. Its formation often occurs in ultramafic rocks and serpentinites. Jadeite, a pyroxene mineral (sodium aluminum silicate), forms under even higher pressure and is often found in areas of subduction, where oceanic crust is pushed beneath continental crust.
Jade has been sourced from various regions globally. Historically, the most significant sources for nephrite jade have been in China, New Zealand, and Central Asia. The mention of Marco Polo visiting mines of nephrite jade in Khotan, Turkestan, in 1295 highlights the long-standing importance of Central Asian sources. New Zealand is particularly famous for its nephrite jade, known as pounamu by the Māori people. Some sources say that the Māori warriors from New Zealand used the nephrite variety of Jade to make weapons, underscoring its incredible toughness.
Jadeite sources are more geographically restricted. The most prized jadeite, particularly the vivid "imperial jade," originates from Myanmar (Burma). Other sources include Guatemala, Russia, and parts of North America. The source of Jade in the central regions of the American continent is still not very well known. Notably, jade is the official gemstone of Wyoming and Alaska in the United States, as well as British Columbia in Canada, indicating its geological presence in North America.
Gemological Properties
Understanding jade requires a grasp of its gemological characteristics, which differ significantly between nephrite and jadeite.
Chemical Composition: * Nephrite: Calcium magnesium iron silicate hydroxide (Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2). * Jadeite: Sodium aluminum silicate (NaAlSi2O6).
Crystal System: Both nephrite and jadeite are metamorphic rocks, not single crystals. Nephrite has a fibrous, interlocking structure, while jadeite typically forms as granular or massive aggregates.
Hardness: On the Mohs scale, both nephrite and jadeite have a hardness of 6 to 7. This makes them relatively durable and suitable for everyday jewelry, though they can be scratched by materials harder than 7, such as quartz (7) or topaz (8).
Toughness: This is a critical property of jade, particularly nephrite. Toughness measures a gem's resistance to breaking, chipping, or fracturing. Nephrite is one of the toughest naturally occurring materials on Earth due to its interlocking fibrous structure. This exceptional toughness is why it was used for tools and weapons. Jadeite is also tough but slightly less so than nephrite.
Specific Gravity: * Nephrite: 2.90 – 3.02 * Jadeite: 3.30 – 3.36 The higher specific gravity of jadeite is one way gemologists can distinguish it from nephrite.
Refractive Index: * Nephrite: 1.600 – 1.655 * Jadeite: 1.652 – 1.673 Both have a refractive index in the range typical for many gemstones, but jadeite's is slightly higher.
Color: While green is the most iconic color for jade, both varieties occur in a range of hues. * Nephrite: Typically appears in creamy white, various shades of green (from pale to deep spinach green), and brown. * Jadeite: Offers a wider color palette, including lavender, red, orange, yellow, brown, white, and black. The most valuable jadeite is an intense, emerald-green variety known as "imperial jade."
Clarity and Transparency: Jade is generally translucent to opaque. Translucent jade is highly prized. The description of iaspis as a “green stone that is often translucent” aligns with the qualities of fine jade. Inclusions are common and can be used to identify natural jade versus imitations. The presence of inclusions, such as black spots or veins, is often accepted as part of the stone's character.
Cut: Jade is often cut into cabochons, beads, and carvings rather than faceted gems, due to its toughness and color distribution. Intricate carvings, particularly in Chinese culture, showcase the stone's ability to hold fine detail.
Summary of Gemological Properties
| Property | Nephrite | Jadeite |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Family | Amphibole | Pyroxene |
| Chemical Formula | Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2 | NaAlSi2O6 |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6 – 7 | 6 – 7 |
| Toughness | Exceptional (one of the toughest natural materials) | Very Good |
| Specific Gravity | 2.90 – 3.02 | 3.30 – 3.36 |
| Refractive Index | 1.600 – 1.655 | 1.652 – 1.673 |
| Typical Colors | Creamy white, green, brown | Green, lavender, red, orange, yellow, white, black |
| Transparency | Translucent to opaque | Translucent to opaque |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Jade's symbolism is as rich and layered as its geological history. Across cultures and centuries, it has been attributed with a wide array of metaphysical properties, many of which align with its role as a birthstone for March—a month of renewal and resilience.
In Chinese culture, jade is the ultimate symbol of purity, moral integrity, and nobility. It is believed to carry protective energies, warding off negative influences and bringing good fortune. The concept of the "Stone of Heaven" speaks to its connection with the divine and its power to bestow longevity and immortality. This aligns perfectly with the birthstone tradition of seeking health and a long, prosperous life.
For those born in March, jade is said to embody the spirit of spring. Its green color is intrinsically linked to growth, vitality, and the reawakening of nature after winter. This makes it a powerful talisman for new beginnings and personal growth. The stone is also believed to instill calm and relaxation, helping to balance emotions and promote a sense of inner peace—a valuable attribute for the often-dynamic energy of spring.
The toughness of jade is metaphorically transferred to the wearer, symbolizing resilience, strength, and the ability to withstand life's challenges without breaking. This is particularly resonant for March-born individuals, who are navigating the transition from the introspective winter to the active spring.
In New Zealand, the Māori people hold pounamu (nephrite jade) in deep spiritual reverence. It is considered a taonga (treasure) and is passed down through generations. It is believed to contain the spirit of ancestors and is used in ceremonial objects and weapons, imbuing them with mana (spiritual power).
Some sources even attribute practical healing properties to jade. For instance, jade in close contact with the skin on the lower back is thought to help treat kidney problems. While such claims are part of traditional lore rather than scientifically verified medicine, they highlight the stone's long-standing association with health and well-being.
Care and Cleaning
Given its notable toughness and hardness, jade is relatively easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for jewelry that is worn regularly. However, proper maintenance is essential to preserve its beauty and integrity.
Cleaning: * Mild Soap and Water: The safest method for cleaning jade jewelry is to use warm water, a drop of mild dish soap, and a soft brush (like a baby toothbrush). Gently scrub the surface, paying attention to crevices and settings, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. * Ultrasonic Cleaners: Exercise caution. While nephrite's toughness generally allows it to withstand ultrasonic cleaning, jadeite can be more sensitive, especially if it has been treated or dyed. It is best to avoid ultrasonic cleaners unless you are certain of the stone's type and treatment history. * Steam Cleaners: Avoid steam cleaners, as the heat can potentially damage any resin or wax that may have been applied to the surface to enhance luster or fill minor fractures (a common treatment for some jades).
Storage: * Store jade jewelry separately from other gemstones and metals to prevent scratching. While jade is tough, it can still be scratched by harder materials like diamond, sapphire, or ruby. * Keep jade away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight for prolonged periods, as this could potentially cause fading or damage, though this is rare.
Handling: * Despite its toughness, jade can fracture if subjected to a hard impact. Avoid wearing jade jewelry during strenuous activities or when handling heavy objects. * Be mindful of chemicals. Harsh chemicals found in household cleaners, cosmetics, and perfumes can damage the stone's surface over time. It is advisable to put on jade jewelry after applying cosmetics and perfumes.
Conclusion
Jade presents a profound and historically rich alternative to the traditional March birthstones, aquamarine and bloodstone. Its claim to March is deeply rooted in ancient Tibetan astrology and a global tapestry of cultural lore, where it embodies the spirit of spring, symbolizing luck, longevity, and resilience. While modern Western birthstone lists may prioritize other gems, jade’s enduring significance—from its revered status in China as the "Stone of Heaven" to its practical use by Māori warriors in New Zealand—makes it a meaningful choice for those born in March.
The gemological duality of jade, existing as both the exceptionally tough nephrite and the vibrant, valuable jadeite, offers a range of options for collectors and jewelry enthusiasts. Its physical properties, including a hardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale and remarkable toughness, make it durable for everyday wear. Symbolically, its green hues connect the wearer to the vitality and renewal of the natural world, while its metaphysical associations with purity, wisdom, and prosperity enhance its appeal as a personal talisman. For the March-born individual seeking a connection to the earth, history, and a vibrant future, jade stands as a gemstone of unparalleled depth and beauty.