What is Plum Blossom Jade? (Everything You Need to Know)

Plum Blossom Jade (i.e., Ru Jade) is an exquisite and rare type of stone that has captured the fascination of collectors, artisans, and healers for thousands of years. Its distinctive patterns that resemble the delicate blossoms of a plum tree set it apart from other types of jade.

The history of plum blossom jade has roots in ancient China due to its aesthetic beauty, spiritual benefits, and connection to nature.

In this article, we will discuss the origins of Plum Blossom Jade, its physical characteristics, historical significance, and the scientific aspects that contribute to its value and appeal.

Appearance and Composition of Plum Blossom Jade

One of the most striking features of Plum Blossom Jade is its appearance. The stone is characterized by its dark green or blackish-green base. It also has inclusions that resemble plum blossoms. These flower-like patterns can range in color from red to white. They are formed by mineral deposits that are trapped within the stone's volcanic origins. When polished, these mineral-filled shapes take on a remarkable floral appearance. What’s more, you’ll notice tortuous cracks that run through the stone that resemble the branches of a plum tree.

The base material of Plum Blossom Jade is black amygdaloidal andesite (a type of volcanic rock). The term "amygdaloidal" describes the small cavities within the rock that are filled with minerals such as:

Ferruginous agate.
Chlorite.
Quartz.
Calcite.
Other zeolites.

Based on the minerals that are present in these vesicles, the colors of the "blossoms" can vary. For instance, red blossoms are formed by iron-rich minerals. On the other hand, green-yellow hues come from chlorite deposits. These diverse mineral inclusions create the intricate patterns that give the stone its name.

The table below summarizes the major aspects of Plum Blossom Jade:

Category	Details
Appearance	Dark green or blackish-green base with red, white, or green-yellow inclusions that resemble blossoms.
Primary composition	Black amygdaloidal andesite, quartz, ferruginous agate, chlorite, and calcite.
Pattern formation	Mineral deposits in volcanic rock cavities create flower-like patterns.
Mineral inclusions	Quartz (white blossoms), iron-rich minerals (red blossoms), and chlorite (green-yellow blossoms).
Hardness	6.5-7 on the Mohs scale.
Formation process	Volcanic origin (formed by lava cooling and mineral deposits that fill vesicles).
Historical significance	Ancient China during the Shang, Zhou, and Han Dynasties. Rediscovered in the 1980s.
Cultural use	Used in art, jewelry, and functional items like tea sets and wine vessels.
Spiritual element	Connected to Water and Earth elements.
Health benefits	Alleviates stress and anxiety, supports digestion, detoxifies the body, and protects immune function.
Key trace elements	Iron, zinc, magnesium, and calcium.
Feng Shui use	Improves positive energy, stabilizes emotions, and brings harmony to the home environment.

Historical Background of Plum Blossom Jade

The history of Plum Blossom Jade can be traced back to the Shang and Zhou dynasties in China (over 2,000 years ago). It was during this period that the stone began to be mined and used in various forms of art and decoration. By the Han Dynasty, Plum Blossom Jade had earned the status of a national treasure under Emperor Guangwu. The jade’s rarity and intricate designs made it a symbol of prestige and elegance among the elite.

References to Plum Blossom Jade can be found in ancient texts such as the famous geographical work "Shui Jing Zhu" from the Northern Wei Dynasty, which describes the presence of jade beds scattered with plum blossom patterns. The stone was also mentioned in the "Zhizhu Ruzhou Chronicle." This is a document from the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. Interestingly, the Ruzhou region where this jade is found became known for its three treasures:

Ru porcelain.
Ru manuscripts.
Ru jade.

Despite this extremely rich history, Plum Blossom Jade became less known during periods of war. The stone remained largely hidden until the 1980s when it was rediscovered and once again appreciated for its natural beauty and craftsmanship. Today, it continues to be a symbol of China's rich artistic heritage and remains a popular material to create jewelry, art pieces, and functional items (e.g., tea sets, wine vessels).

Scientific Analysis of Plum Blossom Jade

From a scientific perspective, Plum Blossom Jade is a fascinating material due to its unique formation process. It is classified as a type of black amygdaloidal andesite. This is a volcanic rock that forms when lava or magma cools. During this cooling process, gases within the magma create cavities that later become filled with various minerals. These minerals (e.g., quartz, epidote, silicates, calcite) contribute to the stone's distinctive plum blossom pattern. The black or dark green base of the stone is due to the presence of chlorite and other iron-rich minerals.

Plum blossom jade has a hardness rating of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a durable stone that’s suitable for intricate carving and shaping. Its dense structure of minerals gives it a "fatty" appearance, which is a desirable quality in the world of jade. The stone's rarity adds to its value as both a collector's item and a material to create art.

Spiritual Benefits of Plum Blossom Jade

Plum Blossom Jade has various healing and spiritual practices. The stone is believed to hold powerful energy vibrations that promote balance, serenity, and protection. Lightworkers and healers say Plum Blossom Jade protects emotions, purifies energy, and provides grounding. It is also associated with multiple chakras, including:

Crown.
Third Eye.
Heart.
Sacral.
Root chakras.

The stone’s connection to the elements of Water and Earth also enhances emotional healing, creativity, and abundance. In feng shui, Plum Blossom Jade is used to promote harmony and balance in the home. This stone is thought to stabilize emotions and bring positive energy into one's environment. Moreover, the stone is believed to promote a connection with higher spiritual worlds, which aids individuals to connect with their guides and the angelic realms during meditation.

Plum Blossom Jade is also believed to have several physical healing properties. The stone is said to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and alleviate anxiety. It will help you stay calm and centered, which makes it a popular choice for those who seek emotional stability. What’s more, Plum Blossom Jade supports the digestive system, immune system, and detoxification processes.

If you want to learn more about the benefits of Plum Blossom Jade, check out this post (insert a link to the second article).

Takeaway message

Plum Blossom Jade is a remarkable stone that combines beauty, history, and scientific intrigue. Its unique appearance creates a stunning pattern that reminds us of plum blossoms, which makes it a highly sought-after material for both artistic and spiritual purposes.

We hope that this article managed to shed some light on the compositional aspects of plum blossom jade as well as what makes it unique.

If you have any questions or concerns about plum blossom jade, please feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.