What does jade mean?
Jade is a valued ornamental stone, usually green, that has been used for jewelry, carvings, vessels, and ceremonial objects for thousands of years. In ordinary English, the word commonly refers to a polished or carved piece of jade, especially a gemstone set in jewelry. Geologically, jade is a collective designation for two different minerals: nephrite, a tough form of amphibole, and jadeite, a pyroxene mineral. The most familiar jade is a rich green color, although the material can also occur in other colors. Its long history in China is especially significant, where it became associated with refinement, virtue, prestige, and the power of rulers. The word entered European languages through Spanish and French forms ultimately connected with the Chinese word for jade. Today, “jade” can name the stone itself, an individual ornament made from it, or its characteristic green color.
A hard ornamental stone, usually green, used for jewelry, carvings, and other decorative objects; geologically, either nephrite or jadeite.
"The bracelet was carved from a single piece of jade."
The collective geological sense includes two distinct minerals, while everyday use often refers to an individual polished or carved stone.
Made of jade or having the characteristic green color of jade.
"She wore a jade pendant on a delicate gold chain."
This use is less common than the noun and is mainly encountered in descriptions of jewelry, decorative objects, and colors.
Plural is used for individual stones, ornaments, or carved objects; it is uncommon when referring to jade as a material in general.
"The collection includes several rare jades and carved figures."
For much of Chinese history, jade was valued not simply as a precious stone but as a material associated with virtue, status, and longevity.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does jade come from?
The English word comes through French jade, which was borrowed from Spanish piedra de jade, meaning “jade stone.” The Spanish expression ultimately reflects the Chinese yù, the native word for jade and related carved or ornamental materials. In English, the term was established by the early 17th century, initially referring especially to the green stone used in ornaments and carvings. The scientific term jadeite names one of the two minerals collectively classified as jade, while nephrite is the other.
Related word forms
How jade is actually used
In general use, jade often means a polished or carved green gemstone. In geology, it is a collective term for nephrite and jadeite, although only one of them is technically a single mineral; the usage of “a jade” for one individual stone is common but not strictly precise.
Easily confused with jade
Jade is the general term for ornamental stones classified as nephrite or jadeite, whereas jadeite is one of those two minerals and is not the same material as nephrite.