Jade

Jade is an opaque gemstone that is cut from the minerals jadeite and nephrite, ranging from dark green to almost white in color.

Jadeite, a silicate of sodium and aluminum, is the rarer of the two minerals and the most highly prized.

Jadeite crystallizes but is seldom found in distinct crystals. It is usually found in fibrous, massive aggregates, and is extremely difficult to break. It has a vitreous luster when polished.

Nephrite, a silicate of calcium and magnesium, is a member of the amphibole group of minerals.

Nephrite is also tough and hard to break and has an oily luster when polished.

Jade, in ancient times, was used as weapons, cooking utensils, and other everyday uses because of it's tough disposition.

In China and Japan, jade was carved into religious and mystic figurines. It was considered to be the most important and precious of all gemstones.

Both the Chinese and Japanese carve jade into bowls, tables, vases, and other objects.

Before Christopher Columbus, Native Americans valued Jade more than silver and gold and carving jade was considered a high art form.

Today, jade is considered precious gemstone and is highly valued in the use of jewelry, especially rings, bracelets, cameos, lockets, and necklaces.

When cut and polished, jade has a unique beauty and is treasured by all who are lucky enough to own this gemstone.

Important deposits of Jade is found in Myanmar, China, Japan, Canada, the USSR, Guatemala, and the United States.

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