Polar Jade
Hidden deep in the rugged wilderness of British Columbia (BC) lie some of the world’s richest jade fields — a place where stone meets story, and nature reveals its hidden treasures.
Known for its vibrant nephrite jade, BC is one of the only places outside Asia where this precious stone is mined in quantity. Formed over hundreds of millions of years, each piece carries the energy of ancient Earth and the enduring power of time.
From glacier-fed rivers to alpine peaks, the journey of jade here is anything but ordinary — shaped by nature, touched by history, and now, by human hands.
Whether worn, sculpted, or admired in raw form, Canadian jade speaks to something deep and eternal.
Ethically sourced
Rooted in the land
Honouring tradition
Deep in this remote, glacial landscape lies one of the world’s rarest and most revered gemstones: Polar Jade. This luminous variety of nephrite jade is not only a Canadian treasure but also a global symbol of peace, spirituality, and craftsmanship.
Polar Jade refers to a superior grade of nephrite jade mined from the Polar Mine near Dease Lake, within BC’s famed Cassiar Mountain range. It is celebrated for its:
Deep emerald-green color
High translucency
Fine, compact grain structure
Ability to take a mirror-like polish
These exceptional qualities make it one of the most sought-after jades in the world — often compared to the finest imperial jadeite from Myanmar.
Jade has long held sacred status in Eastern spiritual traditions, especially in China, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Revered for its symbolic connection to purity, wisdom, and eternal life, jade has been used for centuries to craft deities, talismans, and ritual tools.
Polar Jade has continued this tradition in the modern era, becoming the material of choice for one of the most extraordinary Buddhist sculptures ever made.
One of the most powerful uses of Polar Jade has been in the creation of the Jade Buddha for Universal Peace, a globally recognized monument to compassion and mindfulness.
Material: Carved from a 4-ton boulder of Polar Jade
Height: 2.5 meters tall (about 8 feet)
Design: Modelled after the historic Buddha statue in the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India — the site of Buddha’s enlightenment
Craftsmanship: Carved in Thailand by master artisans trained in traditional techniques
Since its unveiling, the Jade Buddha has traveled across the globe, being displayed in temples, public parks, and cultural centers on five continents. Millions have come to see it — not just as an artwork, but as a living symbol of peace, unity, and mindfulness.
Its permanent home is being prepared at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo, Australia.
Unlike other gemstones prized for their sparkle or rarity, jade — especially nephrite jade — is cherished for its grounding, healing, and protective properties. In Buddhist and Taoist traditions, it is said to:
Calm the mind and heart
Promote longevity and wisdom
Ward off negative energy
This makes Polar Jade, with its powerful geological origins and luminous beauty, uniquely suited to spiritual use. Whether as a grand temple Buddha or a handheld meditation piece, it carries both natural power and cultural meaning.
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