1. 玉 Jade

2. Geology of Jade The four main color varieties of Chinese nephrite jade are Hetian jade, Lantian jade, Nanyang jade, and Xiu Yu jade.

3. Khotan or Hetian in the Western Chinese province of Xinjiang have the largest jade deposits. The Kunlun Mountains in north- western China are where Hetian Nephrite is mined. This type of jade is over mined and is nearly gone. Hetian black and white jade Hetian white jade cabbage

4. There are two categories of Hetian jade, mountain and seed, with seed being more desirable. Colors of this jade are black, blue-white, green, mutton-fat, tang, white, and yellow. Mutton-Fat Jade is considered to be the finest with a 'greasy' delicate texture and bright color.

5. Lantian Jade is mined in Lantian Xian county of the Shaanxi province of central China. Lantian jade is known for its light green and pale yellow color. It was primarily used until the Han Dynasty (206 BC until 202 AD). Lantian jade amulets

6. Nanyang jade is mined in Nanyang County in Henan Province. Colors are red, purple and blue.

7. Xiu Yu jade is mined in Liaoning Province near Xiuyan County, in north-eastern China. Colors are light green, dark green, pink, yellow, tan and ivory. Xiu Yu jade is easily carved because it is softer than other types of jade. Slab of Xiu Yu jade

8. Large amounts of Feitsu or kingfisher jadeite were imported from Burma during the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911 AD) causing nephrite to lose popularity. Colors include bright emerald green, lavender and reddish brown. Feitsu kingfisher jadeite jadeite necklace

9. History of Jade Archaeologists have found jade objects dating back to 5000 BC. Jade was used as a talisman to protect the wearer and as a status symbol. In the Han Dynasty (206 BC until 202 AD) officials were buried with jade objects to protect them in the afterlife. Jade eye plaques Han Dynasty Jade cicadas Han Dynasty

10. Early jade carving was influenced by Buddhism and Taoism. Popular subjects were: – –Duck, symbolizing love – –Bamboo, symbolizing lofty conduct – –Fan, symbolizing charity – –Lotus, symbolizing holiness – –Cabbage, symbolizing wealth and prosperity Jadeite cabbage from the Forbidden City

11. Jade factory in Beijing

12. Imperial green jade ship

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