OFFICIAL GEMSTONE: JADE

The bright green gemstone found in British Columbia has long been coveted around the world, but recent demand from China has cast a new light on jade.

“It's booming. There’s a jade rush on right now,” said Kirk Makepeace, the president of Jade West Group, one of the largest jade companies in B.C.

The 2008 Beijing Olympics brought a greater interest in the gemstone when it was used in the medal designs.

According to the office of the premier, British Columbia is home to half of the world’s jade resources.

There are two types of jade: nephrite and jadeite, but nephrite is the only type found in Canada.

The gem is primarily mined in northern B.C., but some rocks have been located in southern stretches of the Fraser River.

Tourists often look for the gemstone in Victoria shops.

“Jade has that mystique and the name from ancient times that helps it remain so popular,” said Gerry Vaulkhard, owner of Rockhound Shop, which caters to rock and mineral enthusiasts.

Local carvers and rock enthusiasts with the Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society are also keen to work with the B.C. gem.

“If we talk abut copper, there’s many provinces that have copper. If we talk about silver and gold, other provinces have it, [but] you won’t find jade anywhere else,” said Gilles Lebrun, the field trip director for the society.

(Adopted: 1968)