Fine Jewelry in Jade & Canadian Jade by Designer Elena Pereira

JADE (JADEITE & NEPHRITE) For centuries, jade was thought to be a single gemstone, but in 1863 two types were recognized: jadeite and nephrite. Nephrite is more abundant. Nephrite is composed of interlocking fibrous amphibole crystals making it tougher than steel. Nephrite jade was first used for weapons and later for ornaments. Colors vary from a dark green, iron-rich nephrite jade to a cream-colored, magnesium- rich variety. Nephrite jade may be homogeneous in color, blotchy, or banded. OCCURENCES OF NEPHRITE JADE Nephrite jade has been carved by the Chinese for over 2,000 years. Nephrite jade made be found in Turkestan, Myanmar (Burma), Siberia (dark green rocks, often with black spots), Russia (spinach-colored stones), in the various rocks of the North and South Islands of New Zealand, Australia (black nephrite) the U.S.A., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Taiwan, Zimbabwe (dark green), Italy, Poland, Germany and Switzerland. GEMSAMERICA.com supply of jade comes from Canada and is a rich dark green color. LEGENDS & LORE Jade was believed to prevent or cure hip and kidney complaints.