Carved Canadian Jade Skull

Gemstone skulls have a history full of mystery and intrigue. While we sell only the most beautiful skulls carved by artists around the world, modern carving practices, especially the carving of skulls, is done in homage to the mysteries of the past.

The art of carving crystal skulls is a nod to tradition. There are perhaps a dozen rare crystal skulls discovered throughout the mid 19th century that have fueled intense interest and controversy among archaeologists, scientists, spiritualists, and museum officials for more than a century. Many believe these skulls were carved tens of thousands of years ago by an ancient Mesoamerican civilization because of the prominent use of skulls in ancient artwork, particularly among the Aztec. Several Aztec gods were represented by skulls, so crystal skulls likely invoked these gods as a symbol of regeneration. However, recent electron microscope analyses of skulls by the British Museum and the Smithsonian Institution revealed markings that could only have been made with modern carving implements. Both museums estimate that their skulls date to sometime in the mid to late 1800s, a time when public interest in ancient cultures was high and museums were eager for pieces to display.

There is passion on both sides, and the fact remains that no one knows for sure who made these skulls and when, and since there is currently no way to accurately determine the age of such inorganic objects, the mystery will likely continue. 

This skull is a product of modern-day artists from around the world. It was carved by hand, utilizing as much raw stone material as possible. Often the artist will incorporate unique attributes of the stone into the carving process to create entirely unique skulls.

Canadian jade is a type of nephrite jade that ranges in color from light green to dark green and sometimes in a black.  The jade is found all over British Columbia, including Cassiar, Dease Lake, Hazelton and sometimes in the Frazer and Bridge Rivers, to name a few.  The Canadian jade mines are the largest jade producing mines in the world.  As many Canadian mines are slowly being depleted, the price of jade keeps going up as it becomes scarcer.  

Jade is a hard stone and is very difficult to carve, diamond or Carborundum tools and files must be used.  Green jade is prized as is chrome jade (jade with bright green flecks running through it) and cat's eye jade (jade with a chatoyant flash running through it.)  Whatever type of jade you prefer, a good consistent color and a good depth of color is important.  Canadian jade rates with the world’s best.  

Some believe that the entrance to heaven is blocked by a huge jade boulder.  Only people that cherished jade during their lifetime can move the boulder.  Others believe that jade may strengthen the heart and immune system and that it may also cleanse the blood, increase longevity and fertility.

• Dimensions: 36 mm x 35 mm x 50 mm
• Weight: 87 grams
• Genuine hand carved stone
• This item includes an information card about the stone
• A certificate of authenticity is included with this item

This stone requires special care - exposure to water and other chemicals, such as cleaning products or aerosols, will damage it over time. If you polish the stone, use a dry cloth only, or an air duster that does not contain any disinfectant or other chemicals.

Any item(s) purchased will be shipped within 48 hours, however most are processed within 24 hours of the confirmation of your order. 

We use a tracked service for all items.

According to the postal service, US & Canadian parcels should arrive within 6 business days, international items should arrive within 11 business days after dispatch. Please be aware that these are subject to change and delays can occur outside of our control.

You can view the entire shipping policy here.