There are two separate types of Jade, jadeite and nephrite.
Jadeite is made of aluminium and sodium and is generally a light apple green color.
Nephrite is made of calcium, magnesium and iron and is a darker green color.
Jade is generally a polished gem, not a cut gem.
Jadeite is considered by many to be the only true jade.
Jadeite can come in a variety of colors, including green, white, charcoal, red, golden yellow and brown.
The most highly prized Jadeite is an emerald green color known as imperial jade.
Mynmar is considered the only true source of gem quality Jade.
Though other sources do exist in China, Japan, Mexico, and South America.
Nephrite, although occasionally used for jewelry, is more often than not used in carvings.
Nephrite can come in black, brown, gold or green.
Nephrite can be found in many areas including China, Japan, Mexico, Mynmar and the United States.
When thinking of Jade, most people think of the orient.
While jade is important to the oriental cultures, it is also of importance to the Aztec cultures.
In both cultures it is not uncommon to bury jade with the dead to bring good fortune in the after life.
|
|
