Jadeite is one of the two minerals officially recognized as ‘gemstone’ jade. The other one is nephrite. The Chinese worship both minerals but whereas jadeite was only introduced from Burma by the end of the 18th century, nephrite jade has been known to the Chinese for 8000 years. It is therefore relatively easy to date this flower to the 18th or 19th century during the Qing dynasty (1644 – 1912). See also Quick Find 1113)