Jade is a mineral that is restricted in occurrence to certain metamorphic rocks that have undergone metamorphism at high pressures but relatively low temperatures. Jadeite jade is found exclusively as nodular or lens-shaped masses in serpentinite. Nephrite jade, which is also a product of metamorphism (and fluid infiltration), does not apparently require the very special P-T conditions of jadeite and is much more widespread. It is also found in association with serpentinite in all known localities. Because of its extreme toughness in contrast to the weaker material it forms in (serpentine), jade is nearly always found as weathered boulders and cobbles in stream deposits or glacial sediment. Historically and presently important jade producing localities are:

• China (the most famouse jade source country where provide A class jade to the world
• Hetan Jade known source of nephrite
• Dushan Jade by early Chinese for carving
• Upper Myanmar (Burma), near Tawmaw and Hpakon
• Sole source of Imperial Jade;since mid 1700's
• Highly prized by late dynastic Chinese Emperors.
• Also the source of Yunan jade (nephrite).
  
• Turkestan (central Asia between Iran and Siberia)
• Earliest known source of nephrite
• Used by early Chinese for carving
• Southern Fraser River drainage, British Columbia
• Fine nephrite, supports large industry
• Some nephrite as veins within serpentinite.
• Wyoming, near Lander; since 1936
• Nephrite boulders, some very large (house-size), in glacial deposits that cover the chaparral and desert country around Lander.
• Some lovely green jade; also "golden jade", a golden brown variety.
• New Zealand, South Island
• Fine green nephrite originally carved by natives into religious objects and weapons
• Alaska, in Kobuk River Watershed at Jade Mountain
• Some cats' eye nephrite reported
• Fine greens and whites
• Others: Poland (white nephrite); Taiwan; Monterey Co., California (poor quality jadeite); Guatemala (green jadeite); Japan; U.S.S.R. (near Lake Baikal, green nephrite).