Jade refers to an ornamental mineral, most of which are a shade of green. It can refer to either of two different minerals: nephrite, a silicate of calcium and magnesium, or jadeite, a silicate of sodium and aluminum. Jade is featured prominently in ancient Asian art, and sculpture but also has an important place in many other cultures. In China, this stone is almost as prized as diamonds and gold are in the western world, and was highly sought after and used in ornamental applications, furniture, statues, and graves for members of the imperial family. Jade has an extremely long history and has been mined since 6000 B.C. and possibly even earlier. Jade resonates with the heart chakra, and is protective and promotes harmony, it can also attract good luck and friendship, stabilize the personality and promote self-sufficiency.