Gems, Precious Stones, Precious Metals - Jade

Jade - Gem Color 8 - #00A86B

Jade is an ornamental stone. The term jade is applied to two different metamorphic rocks that are made up of different silicate minerals: Nephrite and Jadeite.

The English word jade (alternative spellings "jaid," "jadeite") is derived (via French l'ejade and Latin ilia) from the Spanish term piedra de ijada (first recorded in 1565) or "loin stone," from its reputed efficacy in curing ailments of the loins and kidneys.

Nephrite and jadeite were used from prehistoric periods for hard stone carving. Among the earliest known jade artifacts excavated from prehistoric sites are simple ornaments with bead, button, and tubular shapes. Additionally, jade was used for adze heads, knives, and other weapons, which can be delicately shaped. As metal-working technologies became available, the beauty of jade made it valuable for ornaments and decorative objects.