Jadeite for a bath: properties and subtleties of use

The stones have long been used in baths to obtain steam. But not every stone is suitable for these purposes. Some minerals can crumble or scatter into small pieces during use, while other stones release harmful substances when heated. Jadeite is very popular among bathhouse attendants. What kind of mineral it is, why it is better than others for use in a steam room - we will consider in the article.

Jadeite belongs to alkaline monoclinic pyroxenes. Its extraction is complex and laborious, requiring the use of special equipment.

It is not surprising that the natural mineral is so highly prized.

This stone has the following properties:

• the hardness index is 7 on the Mohs scale;
• compressive strength can be from 3640 to 9320 kg / cm²;
• the strength coefficient on the Protodyakonov scale is equal to the maximum value - 20;
• the porosity index is from 0.3 to 0.5%;
• the specific heat capacity is at the level of 0.88 J / kg · K;
• the density is in the range of 3.25-3.43 g / cm³;
• the melting point does not exceed 1060 degrees Celsius;
• thermal conductivity is 2.3-3.6 kcal;
• water absorption is 0.01-0.03%;
• ionizing radiation is in the range of 0.1-14.2 Bq / kg;
• linear thermal expansion is 0.35-0.46.

This mineral is characterized by a pleasant green, even malachite hue. Because of this, jadeite is often compared to jade.

Jadeite quickly absorbs heat and slowly releases it.

Jadeite is the leader among bath stones. And yet, not only positive qualities are characteristic of him. It is worth studying both sides of the coin so that you can draw the right conclusions and not regret your choice in the future.

By tradition, let's start with the pleasant:

• an attractive look that makes jadeite an adornment for any steam room;
• high strength indicators;
• getting a light, pleasant steam with beneficial properties;
• durability allows you to use one laying of stones for several years;
• ease of implementation of design ideas;
• the nobility of the stone is transferred to the interior of the room.

The list of negative points is small:

• high price, even for chipped stone, not to mention tumbling and polished;
• vulnerability to open flames;
• difficult mining;
• a large number of fakes.

The separation of jadeite is based on its color, texture and type of inclusions. In accordance with these characteristics, 2 types of natural minerals are distinguished.

• Chloromelanite characterized by a rich green color, which is diluted with dark blotches.

• Albite jadeite is often called jade albite. This stone stands out for its dense green color, which is combined with black spots.

There are many more varieties.

• Imperial Is a stone with an emerald color, which can be transparent or translucent with a fine-grained, homogeneous structure. This type of jadeite is gem-quality.

• Commercial characterized by a green color, an opaque structure, the presence of veins and inclusions of translucent jadeite of emerald color.

• Utilities Is a mineral with a bright green color and an opaque structure. For steam rooms, this type is best suited.

According to its shape and texture, jadeite is divided into several varieties.

1. Chipped stone characterized by a large area, because it has many natural irregularities and edges. Such features have a good effect on vaporization.
2. Boned option, it is also tumbling, is obtained after processing in a special machine. Such a stone is devoid of unstable areas and impurities, therefore it turns out to be of high quality and resistant to external influences. Therefore, when used in a bath, it will last longer than the chipped version.
3. Sanded the mineral is characterized by smoothness and shine. It is very beautiful and expensive, therefore it is bought in limited quantities only to fill the top layer in the heater.

According to its properties and characteristics, jadeite is a unique stone. As a result of the work of scientists, which was aimed at studying this mineral, its main properties were identified.

• Excellent durability, which makes the mineral resistant to various kinds of mechanical pressure. Jadeite can withstand impacts and impacts and is therefore used much longer than other minerals.
• Heat resistance consists in immunity to high temperatures and abrupt transitions from heat to cold. As a result of this effect, the stone retains its appearance and characteristics in full. At high temperatures, jadeite will not split and scatter around the room in small fragments. This feature makes the mineral completely safe for use in a steam room.
• Profitability consists in the infrequent replacement of the stone. Due to this feature, even the cost of the stone no longer seems so high.
• As already noted, jadeite can give off heat for a long time, because its heat capacity is at a high level. Even opening doors and abrupt air changes are not able to change the temperature of the mineral.

• Health-improving effect on the human body has been proven by numerous scientific studies. When heated and exposed to a humid environment, the mineral releases a large amount of useful components into the air.
• Jadeite has a high environmental friendliness, which indicates the absence of hazardous radiation.
• The melting point is not too high because the mineral cannot be laid out on an open fire... In the case of open-type stoves, you must first lay the cast-iron surface, then blownite, and only after that you can lay out the jadeite.

It is quite difficult to choose the right mineral without knowing some of the secrets. Jadeite is in demand and valuable, so you can often find fakes. Craftsmen have learned to cleverly counterfeit a natural mineral, so you need to be vigilant when buying, using advice from professionals.

• Jadeite must be sold with certificates. The seller must present these documents upon request.
• The natural mineral must be heavier than it appears.
• Knock pebbles together. The sound should be deep with good resonance. If you hear an empty, plastic sound, then you definitely have a fake in front of you.
• Natural stone is cold and absorbs warmth from the hands for a long time.
• If you run the mineral over the glass, then scratches will remain on the surface. At the same time, the mineral itself will retain the integrity of its surface.
• There should be no voids and frozen air inside the stone.
• The seller's refusal to offer to carry out such tests serves as direct evidence of the unnaturalness of the presented product.

Now let's talk about which jadeite is best for a steam room and how to choose it.

• The best choice would be a green stone, which may contain white or blue blotches.
• A stone with black blotches contains graphite, which, when evaporated, will release harmful components. Therefore, it is forbidden to choose such jadeite for a bath.
• Medium stones are best for the heater and do not fit too tightly together.
• The electric heater allows the use of finer minerals.
• Polished jadeite is expensive, which is why it is rarely chosen for a stove. The ideal option would be to fill most of it with chipped stone, on top of which is a small amount of chipped jadeite.
• The amount of mineral depends on the size of the stove. If it is designed for 100 kg of stone, then the minimum load will be half of this amount. Stacking less jadeite is not worth it, since the desired effect will not be obtained.

Jadeite is widely used due to its broad characteristics and unique properties.

• As a facing material jadeite is used quite often. Due to its original color, it is used for stoves, walls, floors and pools, which is especially important for saunas. It is difficult to work with facing jadeite, therefore the master must be experienced. The stone used for lining the pools is rubbed to a mirror-like shine. In this form, he becomes noble, looks stylish and luxurious.

• As a filler in a sauna heater jadeite has been used for a long time. Moreover, it is more suitable for these purposes than other natural minerals. Pouring a small amount of water onto hot stones produces light, soft and pleasant steam.
• Lithotherapy with jadeite is becoming an increasingly popular procedure, which is provided by all self-respecting spa centers. Jadeite is credited with a number of medicinal properties:
  • filling the body with energy and vigor;
  • normalization of pressure;
  • beneficial effect on the nervous system.

For more information on the stone, see the next video.