Introduction

Abstract

Jade excites a variety of responses. Whereas some shy away from it, finding it cold, unresponsive and perhaps even forbidding, others are fascinated by its properties, and, once fascinated, are liable to become obsessed for life. The stone has for centuries preoccupied human beings of all types and races, and for a variety of reasons — gemological, aesthetic, mythological, sociological and purely commercial. Jade can stimulate both in its raw state and in the form of a work of art, and it is one of the great pleasures of even the most cynical of dealers or the most objective of scientists to watch the eyes of a new initiate light up and sparkle at the sight of a fine piece. The fascination of the stone, its mystery and historical significance, are in no way diminished by deepening academic knowledge and aesthetic understanding.