jade

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Semi-precious stone consisting of either jadeite, NaAlSi₂O₆ (a pyroxene), or nephrite, Ca₂(Mg,Fe)₅Si₈O₂₂(OH,F )₂ (an amphibole), ranging from colourless through shades of green to black according to the iron content. Jade ranks 5.5–6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness.

The early Chinese civilization discovered jade, bringing it from eastern Turkestan, and carried the art of jade-carving to its peak. The Olmecs, Aztecs, Maya, and the Maori have also used jade for ornaments, ceremony, and utensils.

White stands for the snowy peaks of the Andes. Red symbolizes the blood shed by the freedom fighters. Blue represents the clear Andean skies. Effective date: c. 18 October 1817. >>