This is a green stone with very fine pink, yellow and purple streaks

Natural jadeite and diamond ring, 18K white gold inlay. One of two distinct minerals commonly known as jade, jadeite is the rarer and harder variety. Rich emerald-green jadeite, known as “imperial jade,” is also the most highly valued. However, durable jadeite can be found in many colors and is well-suited for both intricate carvings and cabochons. The value of a jadeite carving is as much a function of artistry and antiquity as the color and quality of the material itself. Jadeite is a very specialized gemstone, and evaluating these pieces is complicated. The finest jadeite originates from Myanmar. (In October 2016, the US lifted its embargo on jadeite from Myanmar). Historically, China has had a great admiration for jadeite. For more detailed information on evaluating jadeite, consult our jade buying guide. Jadeite, Myanmar. Jadeite table screen with landscape scene. Since prehistoric times, people have made jewelry, decorative objects, and even weapons from jade. There are many legends and strong cultural associations with jade gemstones. The Chinese sage Confucius compared jade to a gentleman esteemed by all for his qualities. The Chinese have traditionally valued jade for carving as well as religious and medicinal purposes. Cup, jadeite, Qing Dynasty (19th century), China, 2. The Olmecs, Maya, and Aztecs of Meso-America made ceremonial objects and jewelry from jadeite. The Aztecs characterized eloquence as “a scattering of jades. Olmec mask, 1,000-600 BCE, jadeite with traces of cinnabar, height 4 inches, from the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The Maori of New Zealand created weapons from jadeite as well as heirloom ornaments called hei-tiki. “Jade carving, Māori P1210923,” National Pounamu, Stone and Bone Carving School (Te Takapū o Rotowhio), New Zealand. Until 1863, mineralogists considered the material known as jade to be a single mineral. In that year, the French mineralogist Alexis Damour discovered that what had been called jade were actually stones of two distinct mineral species: jadeite and nephrite. However, the Chinese had already distinguished two types of jade more than a century earlier. Yu was the jade material they had traditionally carved (nephrite). Fei-ts’ui was the intense green jade material that began to enter China from Burma (Myanmar) in the mid 18th century (jadeite). Although jadeite and nephrite have similar outward appearances, they have different internal structures and properties. Nevertheless, most people commonly refer to both minerals as jade without further distinction. Jade, jadeite and nephrite, assorted carvings and beads, China and Russia (Snuff bottles ~ 2 inches tall). Jadeite can occur naturally in many colors, but green enjoys the greatest popularity. “Imperial jade” of deep green color from Myanmar is very rare and expensive. It’s sometimes called Yunan or Yunnan jade, and translucent material is highly prized. Jadeite, Myanmar, “Imperial jade” (4. Jadeite bangles. Green jadeite boulders may have a brown skin due to weathering. Jadeites in crystal form are very rare. This vug of massive jadeite also contains rare crystallized, light-green jadeites about 0. Seldom seen in jewelry, chloromelanite is an opaque, dark green to black jadeite. Jadeite: chloromelanite, Myanmar (~3 inches long). Jadeite belongs to the pyroxene mineral group. Jadeite may be present in these blends, but they aren’t always described as jadeite varieties. Some specimens contain jadeite, kosmochlor (sometimes called ureyite), albite feldspar, and other minerals. Omphacite may contain jadeite, augite, and aegirine. Stone made almost entirely of jadeite is called jadeitite. Jadeitite (Hpakan-Tawmaw Jade Tract, Hpakan Ultramafic Body, Naga-Adaman Ophiolite, Late Jurassic, 147 Ma; alluvial clast in the upper reaches of the Uyu River, Kachin State, Indo-Burma Range, Myanmar). Jadeite has a distinctive absorption spectrum useful in identification. Jadeite has been synthesized in the laboratory. Some natural gemstones that may be passed off as jade are calcite, green idocrase (erroneously referred to as “American jade”), aventurine (erroneously referred to as “Indian jade”), serpentine (erroneously referred to as “Korean jade”), and green hydrogrossular garnet (erroneously referred to as “Transvaal jade”). You may even encounter green-dyed marble sold as “Mexican jade. Some assembled triplet gems may have a translucent jadeite top and bottom but a filling of green-dyed cement, which can mimic “imperial jade. Glass and plastic can also be used to simulate jade. Costume jade brooch, faux jade in vintage filigree setting. Gray material can be stained to resemble “imperial jade” or dyed to take on a mauve color. A leaflet on jade grading, from Hong Kong’s Jade Market. Purple jade from Bursa Province, northwestern Turkey. Jade pieces are very tough. Jadeite, Myanmar (pin ~ 2 inches across). If you’re looking for something unique for your next jewelry purchase, check out these ten gemstones rarer than diamond. “The Stone of Heaven,” jade has an unmatched elegance. Learn more about the unique quality factors of both jadeite and nephrite in our jade…. Both jadeite and nephrite have inspired beautiful works of art and a rich body of lore. Jade symbolism covers themes of harmony, eternity, and virtue.