Jadeite

Mesoamerican jade

For the indians of Mexico, and Central America, jadeite had a cultural value similar to nephrite in China. It ws a symbol of water and the burgeoning of plant life. Known as chalchihultil, it was more precious then gold. The Olmecs were the first Mesoamericans to discover and carve jade--perhaps 3,000 years ago. Across Mexico and Central America it was used in the most precious objects: masks, depictions of hte gods, and ritual items.

Powerful and Sacred Stone

Jadeite was cast into sacred wells as a offering to the gods. It was sometimes inlaid in the heart in sacred sculputers, and a piece of jadeite placed in the mouth of a deceased nobleman was believed to serve as his or her heart in the afterlife. Jade grave goods were essential for members of the nobility in most Mesoamerican cultures. They were often "Killed"-- ritually broken -- so they could accompany their owner into the afterlife. When powedered and mixed with herbs, jadeite was used to treat fractured skulls and fevers, and to resurrect the dying. Mesoamerican jadeite principally came from sources in Guatemala and Costra Rica.

Shades and colors of Jadeite vary, greens, lavenders, reds, ect.