Manaia mask

There are two kinds of Jade: their geological names are Nephrite and Jadeite.

Nephrite is found in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Russia, Wyoming and in other small deposits around the world. Jadeite is found in an area around the northern Burnese border with China.

Nephrite is a silicate of calcium and magnesium. Jadeite is a silicate of sodium and aluminium.

The common names for Nephrite are Greenstone or in Maori - Pounamu.

Do they look different?
Yes, Nephrite is richer in colour with interesting inclusions, rivers and other variations of colour. Jadeite is a rare mineral and the lighter brighter colours have the greatest value. Jade can be either dark or light - from almost black-green, through greens, rust to light, - nearly white in colour.

Is one kind of Jade more valuable than the other?
No, the preference is personal. Some people like dark stone and some prefer light coloured stone. The preferences generally depend on where you come from - your ethnicity.

What should I look out for when buying Jade?

Look for richness of colour. Some Jade can be muddy or dull in colour.
Look for translucence. The beauty of Jade is seen in the way light reflects and moves through the stone.