Jade is used to describe a gemstone that is extremely strong, and has been used for jewelry, ornamental objects, and sculptures for thousands of years. Usually, when one thinks of jade, they picture a gemstone that is green in color, however, there are many colors that jade comes in, like white, lavender, blue, black, red, yellow, green and gray.

Jade is two distinct minerals: jadeite and/or nephrite. Although they have many like physical properties, they are very different when it comes to their mineral compositions. China is the leader when it comes to jade products. In China, jade is the most highly sought after gemstone, and is used for many things in China.

Jade has been used for about 7,000 years. Tools were probably the very first things made from jade. It is very hard, and when it breaks, it forms sharp edges. Long ago, early toolmakers used jade to make axes, projectile points, scrapers, knives, and other instruments that were sharp and could be used for cutting.

Since jade is so colorful and durable, it can easily be worked into various shaped and polished to a high gloss. This makes it a very popular gemstone. Some of the jewelry that has been constructed from jade are: rings, bracelets, pendants, necklaces, beads, earrings, and lots of other things. Usually, they are made from jade that is solid in construction, mixed with other gems, or put into settings of silver, gold, or other precious metals. Jade has in addition, been used to make sculptures, religious art, ornaments, and small everyday objects.

Usually, China is first thought of when one mentions jade. Even though China is the most important place to get mined nephrite and jade objects, jade is not something that is unique to that country. You can find jade on every continent with the exception of Antarctica.

Jade has been used to construct tools, ornamental objects, and weapons in America, pacific islands, Asia, Europe, and Australia. These areas held jade in very high esteem, and often used it to make ornaments for their leaders or religious art.

In Europe and the United States, opals and diamonds, as well as other faceted stones are of greater popularity than jade. Therefore, in these countries, jade is merely a semi precious stone.

In China, jade is very highly regarded. Jade has been extremely popular in China for thousands of years. To get the most beautiful and glorious specimens, China's emperors waged war, or traded with people far away. For just about any important occasion in China, jade is given as a gift. Like for birthdays, marriages, anniversaries, and many other life celebrations. It is also the most used material to make religious art in China as well.

Jade is a gemstone that has been used for many various applications, and makes some of the world's most lovely jewelry. China regards is very highly, and uses it for many different things, like jewelry, jade earrings, sculptures, religious art, and other things.