Jade Jade Jade refers to an ornamental mineral, mostly known for its green varieties. It can refer to either of two different minerals: nephrite, a silicate of calcium and magnesium, or jadeite, a silicate of sodium and aluminium. Jade is featured prominently in ancient Asian art, as well as having an important place in many other cultures. The English word "jade" is derived (via French "l'ejade" and Latin "ilia" "flanks, kidney area") from the Spanish term "piedra de ijada" (first recorded in 1565) or "loin stone", from its reputed efficacy in curing ailments of the loins and kidneys. "Nephrite" is derived
History of the Philippines were made from nephrite. Nephrite excavated in the Philippines were of two types: white nephrite and green nephrite. The Sa Huỳnh culture centred on present-day Vietnam, showed evidence of an extensive trade network. Sa Huỳnh beads were made from glass, carnelian, agate, olivine, zircon, gold and garnet; most of these materials were not local to the region, and were most likely imported. Han dynasty-style bronze mirrors were also found in Sa Sa Huỳnh sites. Conversely, Sa Sa Huỳnh produced ear ornaments have been found in archaeological sites in Central Thailand, Taiwan (Orchid Island), and in the Philippines, in the Palawan,