jade

Jade is a gemstone term that refers to two distinct minerals, nephrite and jadeite, which have long been valued for beauty and toughness. Nephrite is a calcium magnesium iron silicate, while jadeite is a sodium aluminum silicate. They share a similar appearance and are commonly green, but jadeite can display a wider range of vivid colors and translucency. In general, jadeite is when a stone is more translucent and intensely colored; nephrite tends to be more opaque and creamy or green.

The name jade originates from the Spanish phrase piedra de ijada, meaning “loin-stone,” reflecting historical beliefs about its healing properties. In Chinese, jade is traditionally referred to as yu and has carried strong cultural significance, symbolizing virtue, purity, and immortality.

Geology and occurrence: Nephrite forms through metamorphic processes in serpentinite and related rocks, while jadeite forms under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions in subduction zones and ultramafic environments. Major ancient sources include nephrite from China (notably Hetian), and jadeite from Myanmar. Other contemporary sources for nephrite and jadeite exist in Russia, Canada, the United States, Guatemala, and several other regions.

History and use: Jade has played a central role in many cultures. Chinese civilizations produced carved jade ornaments, ritual objects, and symbols of status from Neolithic times onward. In pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, jade was highly valued for carvings and ceremonial pieces. Today, jade is used for jewelry and sculpture; it is cut into cabochons, beads, and carvings, with color, translucency, and texture influencing value. Imperial jade refers to high-grade jadeite, typically of vivid emerald-green color. Treatments such as wax or polymer impregnation are occasionally used to enhance appearance in jadeite; nephrite is less commonly treated.