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Colors of Jade

Jade is an ornamental stone that comes from metamorphic rock. There are two varieties of jade: jadeite and nephrite. It has been prized by humans since prehistoric times for its beauty and workability. It was used by many ancient cultures, including the Chinese and the Meso-American Indians, for small headstones, jewelry, weapons and adzes. It is often carved into intricate patterns and decorative items. Its signature color is green, but it is also found in red, black, white and other shades. Nephrite jade is either green or white, while jadeite can have a full range of colors.

Green
- Green jade is the most prized type of jade when it is naturally green and not enhanced or dyed. It comes in various shades, from a deep, dark green called best green to shades of green with a brownish tinge. It also can be a pale, mottled green with white or gray streaks through it. Green jade gets its color from chromium.
Red
- Red jade is infused with a large amount of iron oxide, giving it a reddish, rusty hue. It is associated with passion and love and the release of negative energy. Red jade is found in the United States, China, Italy, Russia and the Middle East. Red jade is relatively rare and quite valuable.
Black
- Black jade contains both iron oxide and graphite. It can range in shade from a very deep black to a deep dark green. Black jade is relatively common and is very popular with jade enthusiasts. It is a very tough and dense type of jade that has microscopic needle-like fibers that bind the stone together. Black jade can be found all over the world.
White
- White jade is 99 percent tremolite and usually has few impurities. It is very rare and is sometimes used in place of diamonds to represent deep love for another person. White jade that is not very translucent is known as mutton fat jade because it sometimes has a slight yellow color. The most valuable type of white jade is a colorless, translucent variety known as ice jade.

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