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Jade is an ornamental stone, that is applied to two different rocks that are made up of different silicate minerals: nephrite jade and jadeitite. Nephrite can be found in a creamy white form as well as in a variety of green colors, whereas jadeitite shows more color variations, including dazzling blue, lavender-mauve, violet, emerald-green, orange, yellow, pink, brown, and black colors.

The English word "jade" is derived from the Spanish term PIEDRA DE IJADA (first recorded in 1565) or "loin stone", from its reputed efficacy in curing ailments of the loins and kidneys. "Nephrite" is derived from LAPIS NEPHRITICUS, the Latin version of the Spanish PIEDRA DE IJADA.

Nephrite and jadeite were used by people from the prehistoric for similar purposes. Both are about the same hardness as quartz, and they are exceptionally tough. They are beautifully colored and can be delicately shaped. Only in the 19th century it was determined that "jade" was in fact two different materials. Among the earliest known jade artifacts excavated from prehistoric sites are simple ornaments such as rounded beads, buttons, and tubular jades. Additionally, jade was used for axe heads, knives, and other weapons. As metal-working technologies became available, the beauty of jade made it valuable for ornaments and decorative objects.

Of the two, jadeite is rarer, documented in fewer than 12 places worldwide. Translucent emerald-green jadeitite is the most prized variety, both now and historically. As "quetzal" jade, bright green jadeitite from Guatemala was treasured by Mesoamerican cultures, and as "kingfisher" jade, vivid green rocks from Burma became the preferred stone of post-1800 Chinese imperial scholars and rulers.

Burma (Myanmar) and Guatemala are the principal sources of modern gem jadeitite, and Canada of modern lapidary nephrite. Nephrite jade was used mostly in pre-1800 China as well as in New Zealand, the Pacific Coast and Atlantic Coasts of North America, Neolithic Europe, and south-east Asia. In addition to Mesoamerica, jadeitite was used by Neolithic Japanese and European cultures.

Jade is the official gemstone of British Columbia, Canada, where it is found in large deposits in the Lillooet and Cassiar regions. It is also the official gemstone of the state of Alaska, found particularly in the Kobuk area. A two ton block of jade sits outside the Anchorage Visitor's Center in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, mined from near Kobuk and donated to the city as a showpiece.

The "Battle of the BeadSmith 2012" tournament on Facebook is coming to the end! Right now round four is taking place. Initially, 80 seed bead artists have been invited to participate in an elimination "tournament" to determine which piece of their original beadwork best captures the imagination of 119 of their fellow designers, specialty bead shop owners, and members of various beading magazine editorial staffs. The pairs of the round four are:

We wish success to all participants! Stay tuned on Facebook for updates and check out the amazing beadworks of the Battle of the BeadSmith participants!

Battle of the BeadSmith
 
Battle of the BeadSmith. Participants
 
Battle of the BeadSmith. Jurors

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Perlen Poesie, Number 14 is coming out on September 10! In that issue:

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Bobby Bead, Inc. website

Alexandria Festival of the Arts 2012

September 8-9, 2012
         Saturday 10 am - 7 pm
         Sunday 10 am - 5 pm
King Street between Union & Washington sts., Alexandria, VA

Voted one of the top 100 art festivals in the country by Sunshine Artist magazine. The 8th Annual Alexandria Festival of the Arts is one not to be missed! Discover spectacular paintings, life-size sculptures, jewelry, photography, ceramics and more.

The Alexandria Festival of the Arts transforms the streets of Old Town Alexandria into an outdoor art gallery featuring 200 of the nation's top award-winning artists. The free outdoor art festival will line six blocks of King Street showcasing different artworks. This popular outdoor event will feature art with prices ranging from $20 to $20,000. The show is set up along King Street and stretches all the way down the street to the Potomac River.

Art Activated at the Torpedo Factory

September 8, 2012, Noon-4 pm
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Let your creative side play at this 4th annual event taking place during the Alexandria Festival of the Arts! Become a part of the creative process with hands-on projects, artist demonstrations, and special taking place throughout the afternoon. Enjoy artist demonstrations throughout the day including pottery on the wheel, painting, sculpture, and much more. Visitors are also invited to try their hand at different art techniques including clay throwing and fiber art at special "Try Me" stations. Guests will get creative with hands-on projects including the popular Champagne Cork Chairs Workshop, Bubble Gum Painting, and Screen Printing.