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Jade

The name jade comes from the Spanish piedra de ijada, "stone of the side," a reference to the long held belief that it would cure kidney ailments if it was held against the side of the body.

Lore

Jade when placed into the bath is said to exert a calming influence over the bather.  

Jade was once thought to have the ability to influence the weather when it was thrown with force into water.

"A Chinese jade ornament constituting a child's amulet assumes a form approximating to that of a padlock.  When this is attached to a child's neck, it is supposed to bind the little one to life and protect it from all danger in infantile diseases.  A jade object of a different kind is sometimes used at nuptial feasts in China.. This is a cup having the form of a cock, and both bride and groom drink from it.  The form of this vessel is accounted for by a legend to the effect that when a beautiful white cock saw its young mistress, who had often petted it, throw herself into a well in a transport of despair at the loss of her lover, the faithful fowl sought and found death in the same way, so as not to be separated from its mistress." ¹  The Chinese are also known to have used jade to increase longevity and improve fertility in men.

The Mayans wore jade amulets to protect against bladder and kidney problems.  It was used by the ancient Greeks as a charm believed to prevent eye infection.

1)  George Frederick Kunz  "The Curious Lore of Precious Stones"

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