by Mildred Boyd

      When Cortez, just before their escape from Tenochtitlan, threw open Moctezuma’s treasure room to all comers, the foolish so burdened themselves with golden trinkets that most were captured or drowned before they ever reached the safety of the mainland. The wise, having learned that the natives placed little value on gold and were, in fact, more than a little puzzled by the Spanish craving for it, were content to fill their pockets with small, intricately carved stones.
     Chalchiuhitl (jadeite or any similar green stone) was so much the most valuable substance in Meso America that the word meant both "jade" and "precious". The color, that of growing things, symbolized life and regeneration. Chalchiuhtlicue (Jade Skirt) was goddess of running water and fertility. The heart’s-blood of sacrifice was called Jade Water and victims ascended the blood-stained Jade Steps to meet their deaths. The stone itself represented the heart and the dead were buried with small pieces of jade in their mouths; indestructible hearts to help them face the terrors of the underworld.
     Jadeite is an extremely hard stone and very difficult to work, especially with the primitive tools then available Craftsmen who mastered the art were so revered that princes were included in their number.

More....