Gemstone Cabochons Jad

Jade Cabochons                               Click on image for details

The term jade is used for two different rocks made up of different silicate minerals. Nephrite jade is composed of amphibole mineral actinolite. Jadeitite consists almost entirely of jadeite. Nephrite and jadeitite were used by people from ancient times for similar purposes. Both are about the same hardness as quartz, and they are exceptionally tough. They are beautifully colored and can be delicately shaped. Thus it was not until the 19th century that it was determined that "jade" was in fact two different materials. Jadeitite is rarer, found in fewer than a dozen places worldwide. Translucent emerald-green jadeitite is the most valued. Jade is the official gemstone of British Columbia, Alaska, and Wyoming.

Maw Sit Sit Jade

Item 2060

Item 2034

Maw Sit Sit Jade

Item 2029

Item 2076

Wyoming Jade

Item 1377

Wyoming Jade

Item 1699

Wyoming Jade

Item 1366

Black Jade

Item 2036