Origin and Properties
Key Facts
- Origin and Properties:
- Burmese jade is primarily found in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma).
- It is a polycrystalline aggregate composed mainly of jadeite, omphacite, and nichrome pyroxene.
- Burmese jade can be either emerald green or red.
- It is known for its high quality and is considered one of the finest jades in the world.
- Cultural Significance:
- Burmese jade holds great cultural and symbolic significance in Myanmar and other Asian countries.
- It is believed to represent purity, justice, courage, harmony, and a pure soul.
- In ancient times, it was believed that Burmese jade originated from a stone in the sky and was thought to bring good luck.
- Economic Importance:
- The Burmese jade trade is a significant part of Myanmar’s economy.
- Global Witness estimates that Myanmar’s jade trade was worth up to $31 billion in 2014, accounting for nearly half of the nation’s GDP that year.
- However, the industry is shrouded in secrecy and has been associated with corruption and human rights abuses.
Burmese jade, also known as jadeite, is a precious gemstone found primarily in Myanmar (formerly Burma). It is a polycrystalline aggregate composed mainly of jadeite, omphacite, and nichrome pyroxene. Burmese jade can be either emerald green or red, with the green variety being the most prized. It is known for its high quality and is considered one of the finest jades in the world.
Cultural Significance
Burmese jade holds great cultural and symbolic significance in Myanmar and other Asian countries. It is believed to represent purity, justice, courage, harmony, and a pure soul. In ancient times, it was believed that Burmese jade originated from a stone in the sky and was thought to bring good luck.
Economic Importance
The Burmese jade trade is a significant part of Myanmar’s economy. Global Witness estimates that Myanmar’s jade trade was worth up to $31 billion in 2014, accounting for nearly half of the nation’s GDP that year. However, the industry is shrouded in secrecy and has been associated with corruption and human rights abuses.
Environmental and Social Impact
The mining of Burmese jade has had a devastating impact on the environment. The large-scale mining operations have resulted in deforestation, water pollution, and soil erosion. The use of heavy machinery and explosives has also led to accidents and injuries among miners.
Conclusion
Burmese jade is a gemstone of great cultural, economic, and environmental significance. However, the industry associated with it has been plagued by corruption, human rights abuses, and environmental degradation. Efforts are needed to address these issues and ensure that the jade trade is conducted in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Sources
- Battling for Blood Jade
- Burmese Jade: Origin, History and Properties
- Jadeite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
FAQs
What is Burmese jade?
Burmese jade, also known as jadeite, is a precious gemstone found primarily in Myanmar (formerly Burma). It is known for its high quality and is considered one of the finest jades in the world.
What are the cultural and symbolic meanings of Burmese jade?
Burmese jade holds great cultural and symbolic significance in Myanmar and other Asian countries. It is believed to represent purity, justice, courage, harmony, and a pure soul. In ancient times, it was believed that Burmese jade originated from a stone in the sky and was thought to bring good luck.
What is the economic importance of Burmese jade?
The Burmese jade trade is a significant part of Myanmar’s economy. It is estimated that the trade was worth up to $31 billion in 2014, accounting for nearly half of the nation’s GDP that year.
What are the environmental and social impacts of Burmese jade mining?
The mining of Burmese jade has had a devastating impact on the environment, resulting in deforestation, water pollution, and soil erosion. The use of heavy machinery and explosives has also led to accidents and injuries among miners.
Is Burmese jade sustainable?
The Burmese jade industry is currently not considered sustainable due to the environmental and social impacts of mining. Efforts are needed to address these issues and ensure that the trade is conducted in a responsible and sustainable manner.
What are the different colors of Burmese jade?
Burmese jade can be found in a variety of colors, including emerald green, red, lavender, mauve, yellow-green, and white. The most prized color is imperial jade, which is a deep, rich green.
What is the difference between Burmese jade and nephrite jade?
Burmese jade, or jadeite, is a different mineral from nephrite jade. Jadeite is harder and denser than nephrite, and it is typically more valuable. Nephrite jade is more commonly found in China, while jadeite is primarily found in Myanmar.
What are some of the challenges facing the Burmese jade industry?
The Burmese jade industry faces a number of challenges, including corruption, human rights abuses, and environmental degradation. Efforts are needed to address these issues and ensure that the trade is conducted in a responsible and sustainable manner.