Jade

Is a timeless gemstone formed from two distinct minerals: jadeite and nephrite. Prized for its beauty, strength, and durability, it has been carved into ornaments, tools, ceremonial objects, and intricate works of art for more than 5,000 years. From the legendary jade traditions of China and Mesoamerica to deposits found in Guatemala, Myanmar, Canada, Russia, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, jade continues to fascinate cultures around the world. More than a precious stone, it is an enduring symbol of good fortune, protection, wisdom, and harmony.

Jadeite and nephrite

Explore the distinguishing characteristics of these two jade varieties.

Characteristics	Hardness	Origin	Availability	Cultural importance	Chemical composition	Colors
Jadeite	7.0 - 7.5	Guatemala, Japan, Russia And Myanmar	Rarest and most scarce	Sacred stone in Mesoamerica, from southern Mexico to Costa Rica	Sodium silicate.	Whites, greens; from very light to dark, apple green, black, pink, lilac, and light blue. In addition to emerald or imperial green and orange, very special and rare colors; from opaque to translucent.
Nephrite	6.0 - 6.5	China, Canada, and New Zealand	More Common	Sacred in China and New Zealand	Sodium Silicate and Mangese.	Different green notes, from yellow to brown, white, gray, black; from pale to translucent.

Jadeite

Hardness7.0 - 7.5

OriginGuatemala, Japan, Russia And Myanmar

AvailabilityRarest and most scarce

Cultural importanceSacred stone in Mesoamerica, from southern Mexico to Costa Rica

Chemical compositionSodium silicate.

ColorsWhites, greens; from very light to dark, apple green, black, pink, lilac, and light blue. In addition to emerald or imperial green and orange, very special and rare colors; from opaque to translucent.