Guatemala Jade

Guatemala Jade (specifically Jadeite) is one of the most historically significant and culturally revered gemstones in the world. Unlike the more common "Nephrite" jade, Guatemalan Jadeite is prized for its extreme density and a spectacular range of colors. While it is famous for its "Maya Imperial Green," it also occurs in unique varieties like "Olmec Blue," "Black Galactic" (with pyrite inclusions that look like stars), and even rare lilacs. This stone was the "gold" of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, who valued it more highly than any metal.

With a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, and a remarkably tough, interlocking crystalline structure, Guatemala Jade is one of the most durable gemstones in existence. It is famously difficult to carve, requiring diamond tools or intense labor, which only adds to its prestige. Its durability makes it perfect for:

• Heirloom-quality rings and bracelets that can be passed down for generations.

   

• Intricate carvings and ceremonial-style amulets.

   

• High-polish cabochons that exhibit a soft, "greasy" to vitreous luster.

   

True to its name, this stone is sourced from the Motagua River Valley in Guatemala, one of the few places on Earth where the specific high-pressure, low-temperature conditions exist to form true Jadeite.

Symbolically, Guatemala Jade is a stone of immortality, abundance, and ultimate protection. For the Maya, it represented the breath of life and the fertility of the earth. Today, it is cherished for its perceived ability to bring the wearer into harmony with nature and attract "sovereign luck." It is believed to be a powerful heart-healer, fostering a sense of calm authority and helping one to manifest their highest potential with the strength and steady endurance of the ancient mountains from which it came.