Jade and Jadeite

Jade is a highly prized gemstone known for its beautiful green hues, though it can also appear in shades of white, lavender, yellow, and black. It refers to two distinct minerals: jadeite and nephrite. Jadeite, the rarer and more valuable variety, is typically bright green and can have a translucent appearance, while nephrite tends to be more opaque and comes in a wider range of green shades. Both jade and jadeite have been revered for centuries, particularly in East Asia and Mesoamerica, and are symbols of purity, wisdom, and strength. These stones are often used in fine jewellery, carvings, and ornaments.