Jade comes from two different minerals – nephrite and jadeite. Nephrite has a silky, velvety texture. Jadeite hues range from mesmerizing greens to interesting lavenders and bold blues. They can look quite similar, but their chemistry is unique. Nephrite is packed with sodium, and that’s what gives its colors! This gem is one of the hardest natural stones out there. Ancient civilizations crafted tools and weapons out of it. Jade made seriously durable tools that could withstand abuse.