The most common color of jade is green, but it comes in all colors. It is the most revered of all gemstones by Eastern Civilizations, especially the Chinese. Jade was a powerful stone to the Aztecs, Zapotecs, Olmecs and Mayas. It was usually carved into jaguars as well as incense burners, marriage bowls, tablets for writing, musical instruments, amulets, tools and vessels. Jade was made into very ornate carvings that, because of the metamorphic composition, were very strong and usable for ceremonial undertakings. It has much lore and ancient legends associated with it. As legend holds, it is the earthly link between the ordinary (the worldly) and the spiritual. In many cultures it was placed on the tongue of the dead to be the spiritual heartbeat after death. Jade is said to give the wearer knowledge, purity, calmness, righteousness, ingenuity, moral behavior and conscience. Today, in China and New Zealand, it is still worn in amulets to give the wearer good luck and good health. The antique jade is no longer available in large quantities in the Orient. Because of this, the leading suppliers for carving material is British Columbia, Alaska and Wyoming. However, the more common jades can still be purchased as in the 1700's when it became the prized gemstone for all the Chinese carvers of vases, urns, and art. In the past the world's richest deposit was found in Burma. Jade from this deposit was smuggled to the Chinese carvers in Canton and Peking. Today, deposits in Burma, as well as in Guatemala, the former Soviet Union, and Japan, produce jadeite. Translucency and color are two major factors in determining the value of both nephrite and jadeite items. We invite you to stop in at Ralph Miller Jewelers to see the many shades of jade, especially the lavender colored cabochons and some exquisite carvings in beautiful green hues.