Goodbye to gold and platinum—this little-known gem costs hundreds of dollars per carat and is only found in Sri Lanka

A Gem Worth More Than Gold

When people think of expensive gems, diamonds, rubies, or sapphires usually come to mind. But there’s one mineral that can outprice them all: jadeite. This brilliant green stone is so rare and culturally significant that it can sell for millions of dollars per carat. Almost all of it comes from one place—Myanmar.

So, what makes jadeite so valuable, and why is it one of the most sought-after minerals on Earth? Let’s dive into its story.

What Exactly Is Jadeite?

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Jadeite is a type of jade, but it’s not the only one. Jade actually comes in two varieties:

• Nephrite: More common, less valuable, and often used in carvings.

• Jadeite: Rarer, harder, and intensely colorful, with the famous deep green known as imperial jade.

This mineral is made of sodium and aluminum silicate, and it only forms under very specific conditions—high pressure and low temperatures. That’s why finding it is so difficult.

Myanmar: The Heart of Jadeite

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About 70% of the world’s jadeite comes from Myanmar, a Southeast Asian country tucked between Thailand and Laos. For centuries, Myanmar has dominated jadeite production, controlling both supply and value.

Other countries also have jadeite deposits—like Guatemala, Mexico, Japan, and even the United States—but none of them produce the same quality or quantity as Myanmar. Harsh landscapes and remote mines also make extraction much more complicated elsewhere.

The Cultural Power of Jadeite

Jadeite is not just about beauty or rarity—it’s about history and spirituality.

In Ancient China

• Jadeite was considered sacred.

• Emperors were buried with jade objects because people believed it protected the soul in the afterlife.

• The stone symbolized immortality and divine power.

In Mayan Culture

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• Jadeite ranked higher than gold.

• It represented eternal life, fertility, and connection to the gods.

• Masks made of jadeite were placed on the deceased to ensure life beyond death.

Clearly, jadeite has been more than just a gemstone—it’s a bridge between life, death, and the divine.

Modern Beliefs: A Lucky Talisman

Today, jadeite is still seen as a powerful symbol of protection and harmony. Many believe it brings balance, attracts good fortune, and shields against negative energy.

It’s also thought to:

• Calm the mind and relieve stress.

• Encourage wise decision-making.

• Heal the heart, both physically and emotionally.

For many collectors and believers, jadeite is not just jewelry—it’s a talisman for health, luck, and peace.

Why Isn’t Jadeite More Famous?

If jadeite is so rare and valuable, why don’t we hear about it as often as diamonds or gold?

• Limited availability: Most of it comes from Myanmar.

• Political control: Myanmar’s jade trade is tightly managed, with issues of corruption and conflict tied to its mining industry.

• Regional popularity: The stone is most prized in Asia, especially China, where demand drives up prices.

So, while diamonds dominate the Western jewelry market, jadeite remains an exclusive treasure primarily valued in Asia.

Jadeite Prices: How Expensive Is It?

High-quality jadeite can reach millions of dollars per carat, making it more valuable than platinum, gold, or even some diamonds. Its price depends on:

• Color: The greener and more intense, the better.

• Transparency: Clearer jadeite is more valuable.

• Origin: Myanmar jadeite, especially imperial jade, is the most prized.

For collectors, jadeite isn’t just a purchase—it’s an investment in history, culture, and rarity.

Why Jadeite Remains a True Treasure

Jadeite’s beauty, rarity, and cultural weight make it one of the most extraordinary minerals on Earth. From the sacred rituals of ancient China and the Maya to modern beliefs in its healing powers, jadeite has always carried more meaning than simple decoration.

And because almost all of it comes from Myanmar, its exclusivity only adds to its value. While diamonds may sparkle brighter in the West, jadeite’s green glow holds deeper stories of life, death, and eternity.

Final Thoughts

Jadeite is proof that the most valuable things on Earth aren’t always the most well-known. This green gem is rarer than diamonds, steeped in history, and wrapped in legend. Owning jadeite isn’t just about luxury—it’s about holding a piece of human culture and belief that has endured for thousands of years.

For gem lovers and collectors, jadeite remains one of the ultimate treasures—rare, mystical, and priceless.