Connemara Marble
Found only near Connemara in Ireland, and quarried under very controlled circumstances, Connemara is a form of serpentine marble. It is associated almost exclusively with Ireland and has many uses, not the least of which are rosaries and other religious objects. Its soft, pleasing gray-green color is soothing, and Connemara beads are somewhat heavy for their size. It is a soft stone (2.5-4 on Moh's scale) and should be treated with care.

Use Connemara Marble For: Of course it is the ideal stone for any Irish-themed rosary including Irish Penal Rosaries and rosaries dedicated to St. Patrick. Don't forget there are many other Irish saints who can be honored. A rosary bracelet in Connemara is often a treasured gift. It harmonizes with both silver and bronze and is especially beautiful with rutilated quartz, tree agate, green garnets, and "new" jade.

Shown at left: Connemara rosary in honor of St. Patrick, hand knotted on waxed green Irish linen.

Nephrite Jade
One of two stones that can truly be called "Jade," nephrite has been worked by humans since Neolithic times and is prized by cultures as diverse and far-flung as the Chinese, the Maori of New Zealand, and the Inuit of Canada. Because of its beauty, durability, and fitness for carving, it was known to the Chinese as the "Imperial Stone" or the "Stone of Heaven." The most beautiful, gem-quality modern jade is mined in Canada, particularly in British Columbia. Nephrite Jade is also found in Taiwan and in China. Nephrite is tough (6 - 6.5 on Moh's scale) and comes in a variety of pleasing greens as well as brown, yellow, and gray. Don't fall into the jade "trap!" There are a million and one commercial "jades" out there--everything from "new jade" to "flower jade," "mountain jade," and a world of others. If it's not nephrite or jadeite, it's not jade.

Use Nephrite For: Its beauty and durability make nephrite one of the most perfect all-round rosary stones. These same qualities are beautiful symbols of the Eternal.

Shown at left: Nephrite and fine Thai silver "Stones of Heaven" Anglican rosary.

Burma Jade, or Jadeite

Jadeite is the other gem-quality mineral that can honestly be called by the name jade. It is principally mined in Burma, though it is also found in Central America, where some fine deposits have been recently discovered. Natural jadeite occurs in green, soft yellow, and a beautiful variety of rare colors such as pink and lavender. It is softly translucent, often variegated or mottled, and registers 7 on Moh's scale. The finest jadeite is a vivid "Imperial Green." It's important to be careful when choosing fine jadeite. As we now commonly speak of "blood diamonds," "blood jade" is sadly becoming more and more common. Conditions in the mines can be terrible. Supplies are uneven to nonexistent at present. Watch for the same imitatinons as with nephrite, especially "mountain jade" dyed lavender or pink.

Use Jadeite For: If you can find it, it is often carved into beautiful focal beads. It harmonizes beautifully with other stones and makes a tough, strong rosary.

Shown at left: Sesame jasper with "white" jadeite focal beads (Invitatory and Cruciform).