Jade is a term used to describe two different types of stone. The minerals nephrite and jadeite are interchangeably referred to as jade, although they do have subtle differences. Both were used to create a variety of tools and jewellery. Nephrite was more workable and also more resistant to damage and breakage, but both varieties of the stone are considered highly valuable.

Since the Stone Age, jade has been mined and worked in Chinese territories. At this time, jade was as practical as it was beautiful, being used to craft ornamentation and tools equally. Being a reasonably malleable stone, jade was carved with intricate decorations and used as jewellery for Imperial families of Ancient China.

The stone is often called the emperor’s stone, partly because of its connection to Chinese royalty, and partly because the Chinese characters for ''emperor'' and ''jade'' are almost identical. During the Han Dynasty (202BC – 220AD), the Shuowen Jiezi dictionary described jade as having five virtues. Honesty, integrity, benevolence, wisdom, and bravery were all attributed to the jade gemstone. Wealthy and influential figures from this era would sometimes be buried in jade suits, an extremely expensive entombing practise taking years to prepare.

Ancient South American cultures such as the Mayans and Aztecs also treasured jade very highly. The name for jade finds its roots in the Spanish phrase ''piedra de ijada'', meaning ''flank stone''. This is because of the observation made by early Spanish colonisers in South America who noticed native populations using jade to ease pain in their sides. Even today, jade is considered a healing stone that is especially powerful against kidney pain.

Its use as a curative aid is only one interpretation of the meaning and uses of jade gemstones. The range of powers and meanings behind this stone are complex and deeply interesting, changing from one culture to the next.