Green Jade vs. Green Amethyst

In this post I will try to compare two rather different stones: jade, which comes in several different colors with its green variation as the most distinguishing and famous, and green amethyst. Both of them have some advantages and disadvantages when we use them as gemstones in jewelry production, as well as when we consider their meanings and spiritual properties.

All collectors of crystals and minerals we all have certain periods of our lives when we are looking for certain minerals or gemstones. From time to time, we can even be obsessed with some specimens, and they need not be particularly rare or special. Just to illustrate this state of mind, I will say that it is no different than any other passion a person might have. Recently, jade became the center of my attention, all of a sudden and for no particular reason. The last statement is probably not correct, as we are hardly aware what are the forces driving us to perform a certain action, and what lies behind our will and motivation. Personally, I believe that we are attracted to some stones in some periods of our life because we are in need of the special balancing energies of the crystal over our auric energy field. One way or the other, I started looking for jade, and I found myself surrounded by this extraordinary jewel.

Comparing jade and prasiolite

Jade has slightly different color when compared to that of green amethyst. Both gemstones can appear delicate and tender, but there are major differences. Jade sometimes comes in a variety of colors. If we restrict our considerations only to the green shades, we will nevertheless be faced with a whole spectrum, starting from light green to very dark nuances. On the other hand, green amethyst prasiolite can always be found in its delicate pale tones of transparent green.

Which brings us to the transparency... Yes, prasiolite is transparent and its refined enlightened appearance is what makes it so visually attractive and desirable. On the other hand, jade is non-transparent gem, at best you can find it as translucent, that is semitransparent. I have no idea whether there is jade of such quality as to be totally clear and crystal-like. Correct me if I am wrong, but if there were clear jade it would probably have to be very very expensive.

The texture of the jewels is another story. Jade has distinctive texture, you can see its grainy structure, and you have the feeling that you can almost touch it even though the stone's surface is polished. Some people mark this feature as a means to determining whether they are dealing with genuine jade or not. (Yes, there are many many types and forms of fake jade. This is one of the few stones that possess so many impersonations, as can be seen on the jewelry markets where other similar minerals are being used to simulate jadeite or nephrite). But, of course you would have to crush your stone to be able to see the grains and to be sure, which is something I do not recommend.

From the point of view of their structure, both gemstones are also different but not too dissimilar. We know that prasiolite is pure quartz, while jade is more complicated. Usually it is not one single mineral we are talking about. Usually it is two of them --- jadeite and nephrite --- combining together as to produce the various textures and colors of jade. What's in common to all of them is that they are silicate materials - while prasiolite is a macro crystalline form of quartz, jade is a micro crystalline composite silicate variety. Hence, it is understandable that their optical properties will also be quite different, meaning that they'll produce a different visual effect when used in similar jewelry environment. Both gemstones can be successfully combined with silver, gold and platinum, but my impression is that diamonds can be a better match to green amethyst than it is the case when used together with a jade stone.

Jewelry

Here is a comparison of a couple of different jewelry articles. These pictures nicely depict the differences in color and other visual properties of the two gemstones.

	14k Yellow Gold Green Jade Infinity Pendant
	10k Yellow Gold Green Amethyst Pendant, 18"
	14k Gold Cab Jade Diamond Ring 1/6ct 12x10mm - Size 6
	1.51ct Emerald Cut Green Amethyst and Diamond Gemstone Ring in 10Kt White Gold

Metaphysical properties

While we have been looking at the metaphysical and healing properties of prasiolite a number of times here on this blog, jade is no less abundant gem in terms of symbols, meaning and metaphysics.

What most intimately connects both gemstones is, of course, their green color. Although jade can be seen in many other colors, including red or pink, it is the green which makes it quite famous. Green is a color of balance and harmony of all our energies. Green is also the color of love, health, and creativity. In terms of color therapy, it helps with certain heart conditions, kidney and liver problems, regulates blood pressure, helps the skeletal system, tranquillizes and promotes love. Just remember how much this color is used when one wants to calm the eyes and improve one's concentration. Some even advocate using jade for natural face lifting, and reducing the skin wrinkles.

In connection with the seven rays of spiritual light, the fifth Green Ray is devoted to healing, concentration, consecration and truth. All green stones can be used to focus and increase the properties of this Green Ray.

Jade has been a sacred stone for centuries. Just take it in your hands and hold it for a couple of moments. I would be surprised if you didn't find it that your tension has calmed down. This gem has always been esteemed for its ability to instill peace and balance. No other stone can be considered a stone of peace to the degree this attribute is appropriate to jade. Not only will it calm stress, restlessness, and neurotic behavior ---
its consonant vibrations will resonate with your heart chakra and it will open your heart for emotions of love and tenderness.

As a stone of prosperity and happiness jade is believed to promote longevity and fruitful life. In China, it has been known as the-essence-of-love-stone, with strong symbolic bonds with the goddess of mercy Quan Yin -- one of the most adored goddess in China. Quan Yin is related to the five primary spiritual features of significance to the Chinese people: mercy, modesty, courage, rightfulness, and wisdom - all five making a foundation for developing the true powers of love.

Conclusion

Jade vs. green amethyst - which one to choose? Actually, these are crystals not really opposed to each other, so when in doubt, you do not have to choose one over the other. They actually combine very well; they can complement each other in their meanings and spiritual properties. For example you can combine a silver green amethyst ring with a jade pendant, or jade ring with a prasiolite pendant, just use your imagination. It is sometimes recommended to put them together in order to clean each others "inner dust". Their color is not the only mutual parameter -- they are very sensitive and speak the delicate language of style and elegance that every person should understand and use in their lives.