Necklace of natural multi-coloured Jadeite beads in orange, yellow, lavender and green, by Marilyn Tan Jewellery.

Photo: Low Tuck Weng

In the language gemstones, the overall meaning or symbolism of jade is prosperity, success, wisdom, harmony and healing. But did you know the different colours of jade can also have subtly different meanings?

We normally think of Jade stone as a deep green colour. But Jade naturally comes in a rainbow of different colours. The jade’s colour depends on which minerals get locked inside the stone’s crystal structure as it forms.

For example the spinach green colour in jade is formed when Chromium and Iron mix under great pressure and heat. Lavender colour in precious jade stones is due to the addition of Titanium, while Titanium and Iron make blue coloured jade. The presence of lots of iron can make the jade more orange.

Jade precious stones naturally come in a variety of colours, including green, white and yellow, as seen here

Photo: Tumbled jade stones, by Living Shadow is licensed under CC 3.0

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jade_three_colors.jpg

If you are interested in crystal healing, manifesting or the symbolism of gemstones, you can use the different minerals and colours of jade to tell your story. Apart from the mineral content, there’s something about jade that is just inherently emotionally moving – that’s why cultures all over the world value jade.

“Jade is unique as a precious stone. It has power and majesty and you just naturally want to touch it,” says bespoke jeweler Marilyn Tan.

“Jade has centuries of tradition and history. Chinese women have always handed down jade bangles to their daughters for luck. Yet jade is also so contemporary. Jade jewellery can look classic, or utterly modern, depending on the design.”

Marilyn Tan has 20 years of experience in designing exquisite jade jewellery. You can shop for some of her latest designs here

Now let’s learn more about the symbolism of different colours of jade;

What is the meaning of green jade stone?

Green jade means protection, harmony, healing, good fortune and wisdom.

In the language of stones, green Nephrite Jade represents protection, harmony, healing, eternity, good fortune and wisdom – plus lasting strength and leadership.

The Aztecs and Ancient Chinese valued green-coloured nephrite jade. They believed it had healing and restoring powers. And to this day the Maori people of New Zealand believe green Nephrite Jade or Pounamu stones have their own Mana or spirit. Jewellery or weapons made from Pounamu are handed down from generation to generation.

Contemporary green Nephrite Jade and rose gold necklace by Marilyn Tan Jewellery,

exclusively for Krisshop on Singapore Air.

Photo: Marilyn Tan Jewellery

What is the meaning of lavender jade stone?

Lavender jade means spiritual support and youthful enthusiasm. Lavender Jade is also thought to strengthen your emotions and intuition.

Because lavender jade also represents feminine elegance and grace it is often associated with royalty and the empress.

Lavender jade comes in a spectrum of different shades: very light lavender purple, eggplant, blue violet and red violet. You can also sometimes find lavender and green jade colours mixed together in one stone, which is more rare.

Modern square bangles of carved and smooth lavender jade with gold vermeil fittings, by Marilyn Tan Jewellery.

Photo: Marilyn Tan Jewellery

Also see: What kind of Jade is most valuable for jewellery?

What is the meaning of white jade stone?

White Jade means health, focus and clarity of thought and it helps to remove unstable luck.

Opaque white “Mutton Fat Jade” is a Nephrite Jade from the high mountain plateaus in the Qinghai and Xinjiang provinces of Western China. The crystal structure inside is unique, so if you hold it in your hand you can see oil surfacing on the top, as though it is being drawn out from your body. For this reason, royalty in ancient China liked to use cups and plates made from white mutton fat jade – they believed it would help to protect them from disease or poison.

Wealthy people in ancient China hoped white jade cups protected them from poison.

Photo: "White jade from the Qing Dynasty" by Quadell (licence CC BY-SA 3.0)

Nearly transparent white Jadeite jade is sometimes called Ice Jade. It’s rare and very valuable because it’s so strikingly translucent and it can be carved into detailed patterns. Ice Jade has been used for centuries to calm stress and help the wearer think more clearly.

Bangles of white ice jade and carved black jade, with chased yellow gold clasps, by Marilyn Tan Jewellery.

Photo: Marilyn Tan Jewellery

What is the meaning of yellow jade stone?

Yellow jade means cheerfulness, joy and empathy

In the language of stones, yellow jade is used to encourage understanding of new concepts and empathy with others. It’s considered a useful stone for students, or for when you start a new job or project.

Necklace of round jadeite beads in natural yellow jade, lavender jade, red jade and green jade,

by Marilyn Tan Jewellery.

Photo: Low Tuck Weng

What is the symbolism of jade with more than one colour?

The most popular multi-colored jade has two or three colours.

It is not unusual for Jade to have more than one colour. It depends on what minerals were assimilated into the stone when it was made, untold millennia ago. Two coloured jade in white and green is sometimes called “cabbage jade” – it’s considered lucky. Asians believe it symbolises that you can “grow the green” or increase your money luck by working hard.

Three coloured jade is sometimes called Fu Lou Shou Jade. The name is a clue to the symbolism: In Mandarin Chinese Fu means fortune, Lu means high position and Shou means longevity. So three colour jade is believed to confer three great benefits: good fortune, a high and respected position and a long life.

Multicolour white and green “Caged Jade Bangle'' enhanced by white rhodium precious metal and gemstones,

by Marilyn Tan Jewellery.

Photo: Marilyn Tan Jewellery

What is the meaning of red jade or brown jade?

Red or brown jade is used to stimulate life force and energy. It’s believed to remove the fears that hold you back and give you the courage to take necessary action.

Red brown Nephrite Jade is an opaque precious stone that represents physical vitality, passion, and strength. In the past this colour of jade was made into protective amulets for warriors. Now it’s also used to bring insights, knowledge and energetic creativity.

Hinged bangle of green jade and red/orange jade with gold clasps, by Marilyn Tan Jewellery
Photo: Marilyn Tan Jewellery

What is the meaning of black jade stone?

Black Jade symbolises protection and support. It’s believed to build courage and endurance in challenging times.

Black Nephrite Jade is sometimes found in ancient ruins in South America and Asia, because it was used to make fittings for weapons and armour. Nowadays, people wear black jade to find the inner strength to overcome adversity, pivot to new paths and grow through climacteric years. It’s a great manifesting stone for when you want to thrive, not just survive!

Carved black jade bangle with yellow gold clasps, by Marilyn Tan Jewellery.

Photo: Marilyn Tan Jewellery

What is the meaning of blue jade?

Blue jade is used to restore and relax the wearer. It’s believed to help us see ‘“the big picture” and bring calm and rational judgement. Blue jade is not seen much in jewellery now, but that’s a pity because the colour is often a subtle blue grey, like fluffy white clouds on a pale blue sky.

In Asia, blue jade is often given as a gift to students as the precious stone is thought to help with schooling, study and “brain work.” You can say blue jade symbolises “blue sky thinking”.

Blue jade symbolises being able to “see the big picture”

Photo: "Pagoda in Blue jade" by CapturedSomewhereInTime is licensed under CC BY 2.0