Jade, Jadeite, Nephrite, Hsiu Jade(Serpentine)

Jade has a greasy lustre, which comes in many shades of green, and also white, grey, black, yellow, orange and lavender. It has been used for some 7000 years. In prehistoric times it was esteemed rather more for its toughness, which made it an ideal material for weapons and tools, as well as beads, carvings and pendants. Yet as early as 3000 B.C. jade was known in China as 'yu', the 'royal gem'. Jade refers to both Jadite and Nephrite. Hsiu Jade, is actually serpentine, and can be almost as beautiful as Jadite or Nephrite.