Treasure Hunting

Jade is one of my favorite stones. I particularly love the dark green and deep purple varieties, but I’ll admit to loving every shade of this mineral. The texture and feel of the stone is what I really like - the coloring is just a bonus.

Jade is found in many different locales of the world. It is considered particularly precious in China and was once considered the “imperial gem” there. There is evidence of jade mining as early as 6000 B.C. in that region.

This beautiful mineral is also the official gemstone of Alaska. Large quantities of it are mined in the Kobuk region. In fact, there is a two ton block of jade that came from a Kobuk mine just outside the Visitor’s Center in downtown Anchorage.