Countries of origin: South Africa, Zimbabwe
Hardness on Mohs scale: 6.5–7
Rarity: Common
Zodiac Signs: Libra, Taurus
Chakra: Heart
Planet: Venus
African Jade Jewellery and Accessories
African Jade meaning
African Jade is associated with abundance, healing and love. It is often linked with vitality, compassion and grounding, making it a stone that symbolises growth, balance and steady support.
Meaning and symbolism:
- Abundance and prosperity
- Healing and vitality
- Love and compassion
- Grounding and stability
What is African Jade?
African Jade is not a true jade. It is a trade name used for Transvaal jade, which is a form of grossular garnet rather than jade. It is most commonly associated with material from South Africa and Zimbabwe. Its green colour gives it a jade-like appearance, which is why it is sold under this name, but mineralogically it is a different stone altogether. Because of its attractive colour and polished finish, African Jade is often used in jewellery and decorative pieces.
What does African Jade look like?
African Jade is known for its vibrant green colour. This hue can range from a deep emerald green to a lighter, more grassy shade. It's often described as having a glossy lustre and a translucent or opaque appearance.
What is African Jade used for?
Jewellery
- Bead jewellery: African Jade is often used in bead jewellery, including bracelets and necklaces, where its green tones can be seen clearly.
- Pendants: It may also be used in pendants where its natural colour and polished finish are the main focus.
- Decorative jewellery: African Jade is sometimes chosen for jewellery that combines natural appearance with a simple, wearable style.
Healing
- Abundance: In crystal healing traditions, African Jade is often used when the aim is to attract abundance and prosperity.
- Vitality: It is commonly chosen to support a sense of renewal, wellbeing, and steady energy.
- Emotional balance: African Jade is also used where emotional healing, calm, and a more balanced state are wanted.
Spiritual practices
- Heart chakra work: African Jade is often used in spiritual practices connected with the heart chakra and emotional openness.
- Grounding: It may be chosen when the focus is on grounding, stability, and feeling more secure.
- Compassion: African Jade is sometimes used in practices centred on love, compassion, and a gentler emotional energy.
Decorative
- Display pieces: African Jade can also be kept as a decorative stone because of its attractive natural appearance.
- Decorative items: It may be used in ornamental pieces where its colour and polished surface can be appreciated clearly.
Cleansing and charging African Jade
All crystals should be cleansed when you first get them and then regularly after that. They should also be charged to keep them at their full power.
Two of the most common ways to cleanse crystals is with water and with sunlight.
Can African Jade get wet?
Yes, African Jade can get wet. It is a relatively durable stone and can withstand exposure to water. However, it's still a good practice to remove your African Jade jewellery before showering, swimming, or doing other activities that involve prolonged exposure to water or harsh chemicals.
If your African Jade jewellery does get wet, simply wipe it dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots or mineral build-up.
Can African Jade go in sunlight?
Yes, African Jade can go in sunlight. It is a relatively durable stone and can withstand exposure to sunlight. However, prolonged exposure to intense sunlight over time can cause the colour of some African Jade varieties to fade.
If you're concerned about preserving the colour of your African Jade jewellery, it's a good practice to store it in a cool, dark place when you're not wearing it. This will help protect it from the effects of sunlight and other environmental factors.
For a more comprehensive guide check out this blog post: How to Cleanse and Charge Crystals
African Jade healing properties
Physical healing properties
- Healing and vitality: African Jade is believed to promote healing and vitality, aiding in recovery from illness or injury.
- Heart health: It's often associated with heart health and is believed to support the cardiovascular system.
Emotional and mental healing properties
- Stress relief: African Jade is believed to help reduce stress and anxiety.
Metaphysical healing properties
- Grounding and stability: African Jade is said to help ground and stabilize energy, promoting physical balance and well-being.
- Abundance and prosperity: Many believe African Jade can attract abundance and prosperity in all areas of life.
- Heart chakra healing: It's often used to heal and balance the heart chakra, promoting love, compassion, and emotional healing.
- Positive energy: It's said to attract positive energy and repel negativity.
Affirmations for African Jade
Affirmations are a great tool to use alongside crystals. They can be used to set your intention and further personalise your journey of healing and growth. Firstly, decide which of the many properties of African Jade you feel is needed in your life at this current time. Next, write down your affirmation as if it is already happening, in the present tense. Remember your affirmation must be positive, for example rather than "It's taking ages for me to recover" instead say "I am healing and full of vitality".
Here are some examples you can use:
Where to place African Jade in your home?
African Jade can be placed in various areas of your home to enhance its positive energy and benefits. Here are some popular locations:
- Bedroom: Place African Jade near your bed to promote restful sleep and attract abundance.
- Living room: Place it in your living room to create a calming and harmonious atmosphere.
- Home office: Place it on your desk or near your computer to enhance focus and productivity.
- Entryway: Place it near your front door to welcome positive energy and attract prosperity.
- Kitchen: Place it in your kitchen to promote abundance and prosperity in your finances.
Ultimately, the best place to put African Jade in your home is where you feel it will have the most positive impact on you. Trust your intuition and choose a location that resonates with you.
What chakra is African Jade good for?
African Jade is primarily associated with the heart chakra. The heart chakra, also known as the Anahata chakra, is located in the centre of the chest and is connected to love, compassion, and emotional healing.
Because of this association, African Jade is often used when the aim is to restore emotional balance, strengthen compassion, and feel more open in relationships.
How to use African Jade
African Jade can be used in an area of your house or placed within your energy field.
To be within your energy field a crystal can be:
- Placed near you
- In your pocket, wallet, purse or bag
- Worn as jewellery or an accessory
The crystal’s energy will now be working to heal, improve your life.
Another option is to meditate with African Jade. You can either place it on one of your chakras or hold it in your hands. This is especially powerful if you have a particular healing property you wish to receive.
