Jade facts for kids

Jade from China

Jade is a beautiful ornamental stone. It's actually a name for two different kinds of rocks that look very similar. These rocks are made of different silicate minerals. One is called Nephrite jade, and the other is Jadeite. For a long time, people thought they were the same. It wasn't until 1863 that scientists realized they were two distinct types of stone!

Jade was first discovered and used about 7,000 years ago. Some of the oldest jade items found are simple decorations like beads and buttons. People also used jade to make axe heads, knives, and other weapons. Jadeite is quite hard, similar to quartz. Nephrite is a bit softer, but both types of jade are very tough. Nephrite is even tougher than jadeite.

Because jade is so hard, ancient people, like the Chinese and the Māori, used it for tools and weapons. As people learned to work with metals, jade became even more valued for its beauty. It was used to create stunning ornaments and decorative objects. The Chinese, in particular, made beautiful jewelry from jade. Since it was so rare and expensive, only wealthy people could own jade. Many believed that jade had special healing powers and brought good luck.

Jadeite, known for its bright colors like emerald-green, pink, lavender, orange, and brown, started being imported into China from Myanmar (Burma) around the 1800s. The vibrant green type became known as Kingfisher Jade. It quickly became the most prized type of jade for the Chinese emperors.

Jade in Chinese Culture

For thousands of years, jade has been incredibly important in the art and culture of China. It's almost as important as gold and diamonds are in Western cultures. Jade wasn't just used for the most beautiful objects and religious statues. It was also placed in the graves of important members of the imperial family.

Where Jade is Found Today

Today, Guatemala produces jadeite in many colors. These include soft, see-through lilac, blue, green, yellow, and black. Guatemala is also known for new types of jade, like "rainbow jade." Another unique type is "Galactic Gold," which is black jadeite with natural bits of gold, silver, and platinum mixed in.

Jade is the official gemstone of British Columbia, Canada. Large amounts of jade are found there in the Lillooet and Cassiar areas. It's also the official gemstone of Alaska in the United States, especially in the Kobuk region. A huge two-ton block of jade sits outside the Anchorage Visitor’s Center in downtown Anchorage, Alaska. This block was mined near Kobuk and given to the city as a special display. Jade is also the state gemstone of Wyoming, U.S.A.

Modern Uses of Jade

In the 2008 Summer Olympics, the medals had a ring of jade in them. This was the first time a non-metal material was used in an Olympic medal!

Images for kids

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  Large "mutton fat" nephrite jade displayed in Hotan Cultural Museum lobby

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  Main jade producing countries

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  Jade dragon, Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–9 AD)

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  Golden crown with jade pendants from Silla, fifth or sixth century AD, in the National Museum of Korea.

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  Dagger with jade hilt, India, 17th–18th century. Louvre

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  Sa Huỳnh white jade lingling-o double-headed pendant from Vietnam

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  Māori greenstone double-headed pendant (pekapeka) from New Zealand

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  Māori hei matau jade pendant

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  Jadeite pectoral from the Mayan Classic period (195 mm or 7.7 in high)

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  Jade on display in Jade City, British Columbia, Canada

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  Jade rock inspection with a portable UV LED flashlight in Mandalay Jade Market, Myanmar.

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  Head and torso fragment of a jade statuette of a horse, Chinese Eastern Han period (25–220 AD)

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  A selection of antique, hand-crafted Chinese jade buttons

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  Jades for sale at Khotan Jade Market

See also

In Spanish: Jade para niños