What is Guatemalan jade?
Guatemalan jade is a rare gem material that comes in many different colors. This jade was prevalent in the ancient Mesoamerican culture, however, its sources were lost for five centuries. It was rediscovered less than 50 years ago.
Is Guatemala known for jade?
The variety of jade found in Guatemala is Jadeite Jade. The sacred stone that one day could be declared Guatemala’s National Stone due to its importance among our ancestors. The main source of Jade in our country, the same used by the Mayas, is found in Zacapa, approximately 120 miles from Guatemala City.
Does Guatemala produce jade?
Myanmar and Guatemala are the only two countries in the world that produce Jadeite, but only Guatemala produces jade with such colour variety.
Where is the best jade from?
Myanmar
The finest source of Jadeite Jade in the world comes from Kachin state, Myanmar (Burma). It’s also the only commercial source for Jadeite in the world.
Why is there so much jade in Guatemala?
In Guatemala, the Maya believed jade to have a spiritual significance, connecting the Maya people to their grand pantheon of gods, to the natural world, the supernatural world, and to the afterlife.
How can you tell jade is real?
Scratch your bracelet’s surface with a steel object like a knife or needle. If it leaves a clear mark, the jewelry piece is not genuine. Other jewelry gemstones like topaz or amethyst will nick jade easily, so that’s a good way to tell real jade from fake. No powdery substance should come off because of the scraping.
Is jade valuable today?
Jade is difficult to understand, and values fluctuate wildly – from $3 to thousands per carat. For years, we were not able to master this multilayered gem with so many uses, definitions and colors.
Which jade is valuable?
Green Imperial jadeite jade is the most valuable jade type. The price for this kind of stone of exceptional quality can reach millions of dollars per carat. Green jade usually costs $25-5,000 per gram. The second most valuable jade is lavender jadeite jade.
How can I tell if jade is real?
What is the rarest color of jade?
The stone can be found in various colors ranging from white, green, lavender (purple or violet), brown, blue and black. Among those, the green and lavender are the most famous hues, while the blue is considered the rarest variety of this jade.
Where did the Mayans get jade?
The jade that the Maya civilization used came from the only source of jade in all of Mesoamerica — so far as anyone’s found. The source is in the Maya area — specifically, in eastern Guatemala, in the Motagua River Valley.