Across cultures and centuries, jade has been celebrated for its beauty, resilience and spiritual power. Yet not all jade is the same. Few realize that the term “jade” refers to two entirely different minerals: jadeite and nephrite. Both share a reputation for elegance and craftsmanship, but their differences reveal two distinct stories of geology and art.

Jadeite: The Gem-Quality Jade

Jadeite is the rarer of the two and is often the gemstone people picture when thinking of jade’s rich green glow. Formed under intense geological pressure, jadeite boasts a wide spectrum of colours ranging from emerald green to lavender and icy white. Its crystalline structure gives it a translucence and sparkle that make it highly sought after in fine jewellery, particularly in East Asia.

Most of the world’s jadeite is found in Myanmar, with smaller deposits in Guatemala, Japan and Russia. The finest specimens, known as imperial jade, come from northern Myanmar, prized for their deep emerald hue and clarity. Due to its scarcity, jadeite commands some of the highest prices in the world of gemstones. It’s harder than nephrite and can be polished to a glass-like sheen, revealing the depth and vivid colour that collectors prize.

Nephrite: The Jade That Comes From Canada

Nephrite, by contrast, is softer in tone but stronger in spirit. It has been used by cultures across the globe for thousands of years, from Māori carvers in New Zealand to Indigenous artisans in Canada’s Pacific Northwest. Its durability and smooth, waxy texture make it ideal for sculpture and ornamental carving.

British Columbia is home to some of the world’s finest nephrite deposits. The province’s mountain ranges produce jade that varies from deep forest green to soft white, reflecting the landscapes that surround it. This natural connection to the land is part of what makes BC jade so distinctive.

David Wong & The Art Of Nephrite

Artist David Wong, whose work is featured at EA Studios Calgary, is renowned for his mastery of BC nephrite. His sculptures combine traditional craftsmanship with modern precision, bringing out the stone’s natural glow and depth. Each piece reveals the balance between strength and grace that defines true nephrite jade.

For Wong, nephrite was more than a material, it was a bridge between culture, land and artistry. His work pays tribute to the ancient relationship between people and stone, honouring the legacy of Canadian jade in a contemporary context.

Jadeite Vs. Nephrite: How They Compare

While jadeite dazzles with its rarity and brilliance, nephrite endures with its timeless strength and connection to nature. Both forms of jade hold deep cultural value, yet it’s nephrite that tells the story of British Columbia’s rugged beauty and the artists who continue to shape it into lasting works of art.