Jadeite and nephrite are two minerals that were collectively referred to as jade before 1863, a term still used in gemology. These minerals, prized for their remarkable hardness and density, have been used since prehistoric times to craft tools and everyday, ceremonial, and ritual objects.

Jadeite is rarer than nephrite, with only about a dozen known extraction sites worldwide, notably in Myanmar and Guatemala. In contrast, nephrite deposits are more abundant and distributed across all continents.

In Asia, particularly in China, jade has been considered a symbol of wisdom, courage, and purity since the Neolithic period. It was used in sacred rituals, mainly to accompany the deceased into the afterlife, and became an imperial stone during the Han dynasty.

However, during this time and up until the 18th century, only nephrite was known and worked in China. As a result, most Chinese jade currently on the market originates from nephrite deposits in the Xinjiang and Shaanxi regions.

The most well-known color of jade is green, ranging from light to dark shades, but it can exhibit all hues, from white to black, and can be translucent or opaque, depending on its purity.

Objects made of emerald green, mauve, or blue jadeite, known as imperial jade, are rarer and can fetch very high prices at auctions. It is essential to seek expert evaluation for jade figurines or jewelry to avoid acquiring imitations made from antigorite, a type of serpentine.

Experts in Asian antiques rely on studying the stylistic evolution of Chinese jade to determine its period of manufacture. The valuation of Asian jade also considers its purity, color, and the artisan's skill in highlighting the beauty of the stone's veins or imperfections.