Hobbies And Interests
Instructions
Walk along the beaches at low tide, especially at Jade Cove. Pick up loose stones, but don't pry jade from rock structures or the seabed. Don't take more than you can carry yourself.
Learn to identify jade when you see it. The most common colors are shades of green, but it can also be blue, fire red, brown, orange, yellow, white. It glows in the sunlight and it's usually smooth with a slightly greasy feel. If you can scratch it with a knife, it's not jade.
Care for your collection of Big Sur jade by treating it with Howard's Orange oil. Clean it with a cloth, a toothbrush or sandpaper. A salt coating often covers the jade, and this cleaning will remove it to reveal its natural translucence. Keep the jade in its natural state or have it mounted in a ring or necklace to wear as a reminder of your collecting adventure.
Beware of the addictive nature of collecting Big Sur jade. Some people who began as casual collectors have developed a lifelong quest to find the perfect stone. You may run into some of these avid jade hunters along the shore. They frequently return to increase their collection and indulge their passion, while they look for the rare violet jade stone.