Jade has always had a special significance for years, especially where it was held in high esteem. The Chinese valued jade as highly as gold and diamond. The Chinese embodied this gem with virtues of wisdom and justice. Not only China, Jade played an important part even in the European and Japanese cultures. It was often referred to as the 'royal gem'.

Jade gemstone has become synonymous with green. The green color is due to the iron content in the stone. The higher the iron content the greener the color. The value of jade is determined according to its color and the intensity of the color. Translucent emerald-green jadeite is however the most prized variety.

The term jade is applied to two different metamorphic rocks nephrite and jadeite that are made up of different silicate minerals but are similar in appearance. Both minerals are found in a wide range of shades of green.

Burma and Guatemala are the principal sources of gem jadeites today. Today, Guatemala produces jadeite in a variety of colors, ranging from soft translucent lilac, blue, green, yellow, and black. Jade is also found in large deposits in British Columbia

The positive effects of jade are its ability to stimulate creativity and mental agility according to gemstone therapists.

Jade Trivia

• Jade was once used for axe heads, knives and other weapons.
   
• The 2008 Summer Olympic medals have a ring of jade in them — the first non-metallic substance used in an Olympic medal.
   
• As "quetzal" jade, bright green jadeitite from Guatemala was treasured by the Mesoamericans.
   
• A two ton block of jade sits outside the Anchorage Visitor’s Center in downtown Anchorage, Alaska.
   
• This was mined from Kobuk and donated to the city as a showpiece.
   
• There have been times in history when jade was esteemed more highly than gold.
   
• The most prized of the jades, - the Chinese jade or jadeite is extremely rare.