Jade

An ornamental stone, jade is a name which is applied to two different silicate minerals. Nephrite is a form of the amphibole actinolite (a mineral that also includes a form of asbestos). The second, the mineral jadeite, is the pyroxene. Nephrite has the formula Ca2 (Mg, Fe) 5Si8O22 (OH) 2. Jadeite has a formula NaAlSi2O6. The two are quite similar in appearance and normally it wasn't until 1863 that the two forms of this gemstone were distinguished.

It is an exceptionally very tough material, and was first used for things such as axe heads, knives, and also for weapons. Later, as other materials may replace jade as a weapons material, it became appreciated for its beauty. Jade has a Mohs hardness of between 6.5 and 7.5.

Nephrite could be found in a creamy white form as well as in a green color, while jadeite shows more color variation. Of the two, jadeite is rarer, and is the form of jade mostly used in the Central America. Nephrite jade was used mostly in China, Myanmar and New Zealand.

Jade is the official gemstone of British Columbia, where it is found in large deposits in the Lillooet and Cassias regions