Jade Meaning: Two Minerals, Thousands of Years of Luck

Jade meaning runs deep in many cultures. It's been prized as a symbol of luck, virtue and long life for thousands of years. Here's a fun surprise for Canadians: British Columbia is one of the world's great sources of it, and jade is the province's official gem.

What jade actually is

"Jade" is two different minerals. Nephrite is the one found in BC, and it's usually spinach green to cream. Jadeite is rarer, comes in more colours, and includes the bright green known as imperial jade. A French mineralogist, Augustin Damour, showed they were separate minerals in 1863.

Both are only medium-hard, at about 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale. What makes them special is toughness. Their fibres or grains interlock like felt, so jade is very hard to break. Early toolmakers used it for axe heads, and they had good reason. Wikipedia's jade page has much more.

The word comes from the Spanish "piedra de ijada", or "stone of the flank". Spanish explorers picked it up from an old belief about the body. It's a piece of history, not a claim we'd make.

Jade meaning: what it's traditionally linked with

Why is jade so lucky? In Chinese tradition it has long been a symbol of virtue, purity and good fortune. Pieces are often given to babies or worn for life. The Maya and Olmec carved it into masks and jewellery. In New Zealand, the Māori treasure nephrite as pounamu, and carved pieces are passed down through families.

So it's worth a little respect. Today, people often link jade with harmony, kindness and good luck. In modern chakra charts it sits with the heart. Zodiac lists vary, with Taurus and Libra often mentioned.

How people use jade

• On the wrist. The jade bead bracelet is a simple way to wear a pale jade. Many people are surprised to find that jade comes in white.
• As a raw piece. A nephrite jade chunk or polished slice shows the deep green and fibrous look well.
• For making jewellery. The Xinshan jade bead strand has a soft matte finish. See the note below on the name.
• In a pocket. Some folks keep a small smooth piece close as a little good-luck charm.

The jade collection shows what's in stock today.

Who tends to choose it? Often it's someone with family ties to jade, or a grandparent's piece they remember. Others come for the Canadian story. It's a meaningful gift for a new baby or a big birthday, and it's a lovely choice for people who like a stone with a quiet, polished look. If you buy jade for a person from a culture that treasures it, ask them what it means to them. They'll probably have a good story to tell.

Is my jade real?

This is the tricky one. Lots of stones get called jade. "Xinshan jade" is usually serpentine, a softer green stone. "Malaysian jade" is usually dyed quartz. "Indian jade" is really aventurine. These names are common in the trade, so ask if you're unsure. Very bright oranges, pinks and purples are usually dyed.

True jade feels cool and heavy for its size. It has a waxy shine and a fine, slightly mottled texture. For a costly piece, ask a gem lab to test it, since some jadeite is bleached and filled with polymer. Treated, dyed and man-made stones are labelled as such in our shop.

What colour is most valuable? Vivid, translucent green jadeite tops the list. Nephrite's appeal is its deep colour and its history.

Canada's jade story

Jade has a home here. Indigenous peoples in what's now British Columbia worked nephrite into tools long before Europeans arrived. Chinese miners who came for the Fraser River gold rush in the 1800s are said to have recognized the green boulders that others ignored.

BC named jade its official gemstone in 1968. Today it's still a big part of the province's mineral story, and you'll sometimes see nephrite carved into bowls, bookends and pendants. Jade shows up on the world stage too. The medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics had jade rings set in them,.

Nephrite's look is unmistakable once you know it. Expect a deep spinach green, dark flecks and a silky shine. Rough pieces show their fibres along broken edges. That texture is what makes it so hard to break, and also why carving it takes such patience. Traditional carvers don't really cut it. They grind it, slowly, with abrasives.

If you love a stone with a story close to home, this is a good one to learn. Hold a chunk and feel how heavy and cool it sits in your palm.

Caring for jade

Jade is tough, but it can still chip if you drop it on tile. Wash it with mild soap and water, then dry it with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals, and keep it away from sudden heat.

Stones that pair well with jade

Green aventurine is a sparkly green partner. Rose quartz gives a soft heart chakra pairing. Garnet makes a bold red and green mix.

Curious which stone suits you best? Take the Crystal Quiz, or see the full list on our stone meanings page.

Frequently asked questions

What symbolism does jade have?

In Chinese tradition it stands for virtue, purity and good fortune. The Māori treasure nephrite as pounamu, and many cultures see it as a family heirloom.

Why is jade so lucky?

Its reputation comes from a long history in Chinese culture, where jade was given to babies and worn for life as a symbol of good fortune.

What colour jade is most valuable?

Vivid, translucent green jadeite, known as imperial jade, tops the list. Nephrite is valued for its deep colour and its history.

What is the definition of jade?

Jade is the shared name for two tough minerals, nephrite and jadeite. Other stones sold as jade usually carry trade names.

Is jade found in Canada?

Yes. British Columbia is well known for nephrite, and jade is the province's official gem.

What is the difference between nephrite and jadeite?

They're separate minerals. Nephrite is usually deep green or cream. Jadeite is rarer and comes in more colours.

Come say hi

Jade is all about feel, so pick it up if you can. Visit us at 396 Victoria Street North in Kitchener, or browse jade online.