Canadian Nephrite Jade - Cassiar Mountains, British Columbia, Canada

Nephrite jade from the Cassiar Mountains in British Columbia, Canada, is highly regarded for its exceptional quality and rich green hues. This region is one of the world's premier sources of nephrite, a dense, tough variety of the mineral actinolite, which has been used for millennia in carving and jewelry due to its durability and beauty. The nephrite from the Cassiar Mountains often exhibits a range of green shades, from deep forest green to lighter, more translucent varieties, with some stones displaying intricate patterns caused by natural inclusions. Deposits in this area are typically associated with serpentinized ultramafic rocks, where the nephrite forms through metamorphic processes under high pressure and low temperature.

The Cassiar Mountains' nephrite jade is highly sought after in global markets, particularly in China, where jade holds immense cultural and historical significance. The material is prized for its suitability for intricate carvings and ornamental pieces, as well as for its use in fine jewelry. Mining in this region is carefully managed to preserve the quality of the material, with much of the extraction done by hand to ensure minimal damage to the jade. Beyond its economic importance, the nephrite from the Cassiar Mountains represents a key example of geological processes creating a material that bridges the gap between natural history and human artistry.

Approx. specimen size: 110mm x 80mm x 65 mm

Approx. specimen weight: 680 grams