Jade is a name applied to a broad family of rocks most often containing significant amounts of the minerals, nephrite or jadeite, which have refractive indices from 1.6 to 1.68, specific gravities from 2.90 to 3.38 and hardnesses of 6 or more. Our Purple Jade has a refractive index of 1.62, a specific gravity of 3.03, and a hardness of 6.0. It has a long and distinguished history stretching back to ancient times when its beauty, durability, and toughness made it ideal for implements, weapons, pendants and ceremonial objects. In some ancient cultures jade was considered to be more valuable than gold in both monetary and spiritual terms. The word jade was originally derived from the Spanish word 'de ijada' or 'stone of loins'. Genuine Purple Jade comes from the deserts of Northwestern Turkey. It was first used by the early inhabitants of the area for decorative purposes. Lore also has it that the ancient Romans built part of their temples with it. As you will see its colors have an appealing and mystic quality.