British Columbia contains the worlds largest deposits of lime green Nephrite Jade, as shown in the TV series 'Jade Fever'. The best quality Jade from these fields are highly sought after by Asian customers as a replacement for depleted Jade fields in Burma.
The Jade Buddha sited within the Great Stupa of Compassion at Bendigo, Victoria, Australia is crafted from a 2.5 meter piece of British Columbian 'Polar' Jade - the highest quality gem grade Jade currently available.
Nephrite Jade is a “true” jade comprising a felted structure which enables detailed carving and polishing. Nephrite Jade has been prized in civilizations throughout Asia, South America and the Pacific since the beginning of history. Historically people have found value in Jade for tools, as healing stone and as a connection to the gods. Due to its hardness and toughness, jade was first exploited for tools five millennia ago.
Hold a piece of Nephrite Jade against your skin and feel the cool touch of the stone. If it feels warm it may not be genuine Jade.
The Chinese have traditionally valued jade as a hard asset, a symbol of wealth purity and spirituality. South American and Pacific civilizations have a tribal connection to Jade.