GEMSTONES

JADE

Heavenly
Jade, “stone of heaven”, is not just one gemstone but two. One, called Nephrite, has been found throughout the world, but was especially prized by the ancient Chinese who called it Yu, meaning "precious stone of great beauty."
The other Jade, a relative newcomer when compared to Nephrite, is called Jadeite. It has been mined in Myanmar (Burma) since the late 18th Century and is highly sought after for its intense green color although it, like Nephrite, comes in a range of colors.  Much of the material is permanently dyed, and consequently, much less costly.  More jadeite is available in China than anywhere else in the world; however, none is mined there. 


There are 15 Jade substitutes.  The one most frequently encountered in carvings is Serpentine, quite soft in comparison and quite inexpensive.  Unlike Jadeite & Nephrite, which are very tough, Serpentine is fragile and can almost be scratched with a fingernail.  The most valuable of all Jadeite is lavender in color.  True “Imperial” Jadeite, must be at least translucent, have an even body color (no mottling), no visible inclusions and green in color—like Prell” shampoo!


Special care instructions:  avoid heat; avoid ultrasonic chemicals.  Nephrite Jade can discolor over time.