Considered by Orientals as sacred stone, as it is supposed to ward off disease as well as the evil eye, jade promotes long life and a peaceful end. There are two major classification of jade, Jadeite, ninety percent of which is found in Burma , though some come from China, Japan and North America and Nephrite, from the same places mentioned earlier and Siberia, Taiwan, New Zealand and Canada.

Jadeite is heavier, harder and shinier while Nephrite is a fibrous, 2waxy stone. It comes in many colors, but the brilliant green in Burmese Jadeite is caused by chromium. Imperial Jade is the translucent rich emerald green that the Chinese are after while the most valued nephrite is the mutton fat, colored yellowish white.