Jadeite (a pyroxene) and nephrite (a member of the amphibole mineral group) are the only two minerals that can legally be called “jade” in commerce. Both of these minerals are used to produce cabochons, beads, bangles, small sculptures, and a wide variety of utility items. Jadeite is the most important gemstone in China, where it has been held in highest esteem for thousands of years. In Asia, high-quality jadeite can sell for prices that rival diamonds on a per-carat basis.

Although jadeite is not a mineral of exceptional hardness, it is a mineral of exceptional tenacity – which means that it is a durable material that resists breaking. Ancient people discovered this property and used jadeite to make weapons, impact tools, and cutting tools in parts of the world where the mineral was easily found as stream pebbles, cobbles, and talus.