Jade specimens are highly valued for their smooth texture and vibrant green color, though they can also appear in shades of white, orange, yellow, blue, and black. Jade is comprised of two different minerals: nephrite and jadeite, with jadeite being the rarer and more precious variety. These specimens are often polished to highlight their lustrous finish and are used in jewelry, carvings, and various decorative arts.
Historically, jade has been particularly esteemed in Asian cultures, symbolizing purity, beauty, and status. The primary sources of nephrite jade are found in China, Russia, and Canada, while the finest jadeite comes from Myanmar (formerly Burma). Jade's cultural significance and aesthetic appeal make it a prized stone in collections worldwide.
