Nephrite can be found in a creamy white form (known in China as "mutton fat" jade) as well as in a variety of green colours, whereas jadeite shows more colour variations, including blue, lavender-mauve, pink, and emerald-green colours. Of the two, jadeite is rarer, documented in fewer than 12 places worldwide. Nephrite, however, is most treasured as the carvings are often hundreds of years old. Jade is a very hard mineral, and must be carved with other gemstones. However, it is extremely brittle and breaks easily if dropped on a hard surface.
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