What is Jade and where did it come from? Over 9,000 years ago jade was discovered and played a large role in China’s history as a symbol of status, spirituality, purity and health. Jade was a symbol of status such as in the West with diamonds or rubies. By 3,000 B.C. jade became known as a royal gem used for carvings, decorations, ceremonies, furnishings and jewelry for Imperial families. The most wealthy and influential members of society would be buried in entire suits of jade! The use of jade evolved naturally into beauty routines and massages to be reserved for the elite and royal in China.
How is Rose Quartz connected to this? Although, rose quartz did not originate in China, rose quartz belongs to a family of many gemstones with varying qualities and benefits associated with them. Rose quartz in specific however is most well-known for its qualities of love, healing, compassion, forgiveness and peace. Evidence shows use of rose quartz dating back to 7,000 B.C. in what was once known as Mesopotamia (today’s Iraq). Rose quartz like Jade has been sought after for its natural powers and also as a symbol of status, which was apparent in its uses in jewelry by Assyrians around 800-600 B.C. as well as in Ancient Roman, Egyptian and Greek civilizations.
Across various times and civilizations in history, gemstones were believed to contain almost supernatural properties. It is apparent that many civilizations utilized the powers of these stones in healing and refining their bodies. The Chinese effectively used jade rolling and gua sha scraping to increase circulation, rid one’s body of toxins and improve the beauty of skin. Mayans, Native Americans and African Egyptians have also been known to use gemstones as massage and meditation tools for hundreds of years.