Jade
the Green Stone
Jade is a blanket term for a type of decorative stone. These stones have been used by civilizations throughout history, dating back to earliest records of life on Aldern. Though relatively rare, jade is found on every continent of Aldern. The stone has been culturally significant to Human, elf, and Dwarf, each using them in jewelry, art, and in some cases currency. Both mineral types of jade, nephrite and jadeite, are some of the easiest materials for creating enchantments, especially healing enchantments, as these materials absorbs and holds the Anon (Magic) better than most other stone types.
While shades green is the most abundant color of jade, other colors exist. Below is a list of the known types of jade, where to find them, and their magical properties.
Midordi jade, also known as Na Boon jade, is known for its vibrant translucent emerald color. It is the most prize form jadeite and highly sought by jewelers for its beauty. This form of jade can only be found in the Na Boon archipelago. Though relatively abundant in Na Boon, the Boon people consider it part of their cultural identity. This makes its appearance outside the islands rare, and thus extremely expensive. Like other green hues of jade, midordi jade is useful in healing and health. The Boon will place midordi stones at the four corners of their gardens to ensure abundant plant life. Na Boon legends claim powdered midordi can be used to create potent love potions and enchantments.
Adamkri jade, sometimes called apple jade, is a green jadeite of typically uniform color. This stone is found on the major continent of Dergonhad, and the islands of the Cota Ocean. Dagmon legends claim their ancestors built entire castles, and even cities from the stone, though no evidence has come to light of these existing. Like other green jade, apple jade is used primarily in boosting health, and in healing magic. It, along with moss jade (below), are the common enough to be affordable, and many clerics and healers will wear at least a piece in a ring, necklace or bracket.
Moss jade, often called snow jade, is a jadeite known for its unique color pattern, having a primarily translucent white coloring, with green mixed throughout. It is one of the most common forms of jade, found worldwide,. This stone is even found in Arkato. This jade is used for healing and protection magic.
Leaf jade, sometimes called Jerain jade, or Canoheth jade, is a type of nephrite stone known for its rich deep green color. Its color is often muted compared to the glossiness of other jade, setting it apart from others of its kind. Leaf jade is considered the most durable of the stones, making it suitable for working intricate designs into the jade. It most commonly found in the Jerain, the Southern Reach of Ethae, and is used by the dwarves of the Cutting Mountains in statues and artwork. Leaf jade is favored by the druids for its plant-based magic and healing.
Slava jade, also called Slavyum jade, is a form of nephrite with a deep rich waxy color, often with a slight translucent quality. It is a dense stone, and heavier than other jades of similar size when held. Slava jade, as the name implies, is exclusively found in the Slavyum region of Novyum, on the major continent of Ethae. The Slava have been using the jade in jewelry for ages but are also famous for their spear tips and daggers made from the material. Despite its use in weapons, Slava jade, like most green jade is favorable for its abilities in healing magic. This stone also holds warmth and heat enchantments better than other jade.
Namu jade, also called Iracro jade, is a rare nephrite jade only found on the Isle of Iracro. It has a deep cultural significance on the island. The stone has a deep green, sometimes bluish hue, describes as a deep forest. It is dense and tough, making is useful in tools and artwork, but is rarely used in jewelry. Namu jade is heavily associated with harmony and peace. It rivals other jade in its power to augment healing magics.
Lavender jade, sometimes called royal jade in Novyum, is a type of jadeite known for its deep, soft violet and pink colorings. It is one of the most sought-after types of jade for nobility across Ethae. Lavender jade is primarily found only in Novyum and Anbar, on the major continent of Ethae, with the nation of Pryde being one of the largest producers of lavender jade jewelry. Lavender jade is favored for its abilities to enhance divination and protection magics. Novya tradition places four lavender jade stones in kingdom crowns, one on each of the four sides, to protect the monarch against evil spirits.
Mutton jade, often called Craddle jade, is a rare, district type of nephrite of a creamy white coloring that is described at appearing like animal fat. It has a greasy like luster to it, and the stones vary from a solid nature to semi-transparent. The opaquer stones are the highest valued, even though they are more common. They are a dense stone, with a natural toughness that other jade cannot match. Mutton jade is found throughout Anbar, with it closely assoiated with the Craddle Valley. Nations from this region have, through the ages, used mutton jade in jewelry and art. Legends of armies of the most ancient Siduumites wearing entire suits of mutton jade armor persist. Mutton jade is the most versatile of the jades in its ability to augment any magic and enchantment. It has a unique property in its ability to resist magic of the Shadow better than any other material on Aldern.
Ice Jade is a type of jadeite that is prized for its pale translucency. The stone often has a green tint to it, but colorless white stones are the most common. Its clarity and glossy nature give it the appearance of frozen water, hence its name. This jade is sometimes called northern jade, as it is exclusively found in northern regions of Aldern, with the Isle of Iracro and Na Boon being the primary sources of this stone. Ice jade is heavily associated with protection magic, but is very versatile, and is extremely good at augmenting most magic and enchantments.
Areian Jade, sometimes called elven jade, or blue jade, is one of the rarest kinds of jade on Aldern. It has a deep rich blue coloring that can range from a light sky blue, to a deep ocean blue, usually having swirls or streaks of lighter or darker shades within its core. It is known as Areian jade due to the fact that the stone is deeply connected to the elf people. Only the elven people seem to know where to find this kind of jade, a secret they have kept throughout history. Modern speculations place its origins on Lacey Island, though no confirmations of this exist. While other races, like humans possess this stone today, all outside of elven hands are considered looted from graves, or picked up off slain elves by people who passed it down through the generations. Blue jade seems deeply connected to the elemental magics of the world, especially water and air.
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