Jade is a beautiful green stone that has been treasured for thousands of years, especially in China and Central America. Jade is actually the name for two different minerals, jadeite and nephrite, both prized for their toughness and the way they can be carved into intricate shapes. Ancient craftspeople made jade into jewelry, tools, ceremonial objects, and elaborate sculptures. The stone is so hard and durable that jade artifacts from thousands of years ago still survive today.

While jade is most famous for its rich green color, it can also be white, yellow, orange, or even lavender. The most valuable jade is a vibrant emerald green called imperial jade. In Chinese culture, jade symbolizes purity, wisdom, and protection. Collectors still pay enormous sums for fine jade carvings.