In a broad sense, gems and jade are indistinguishable, generally referring to precious gems and jade. All materials produced in nature, which are beautiful, durable, rare and have technological value, can be processed into decorations, and are collectively called natural gems and jade. Include natural gemstones, natural jade and some natural organic materials.

In a narrow sense, gems and jade are also different: gems refer to single mineral crystals with magnificent colors, crystal clear, hardness, durability and rarity, which can be polished into gem jewelry, including natural and synthetic, such as diamonds and sapphires; Jade is a mineral aggregate produced in nature, which is beautiful, durable, rare and has technological value, and a few are amorphous. Such as jadeite, nephrite, dushan jade and jade.

Jade also has a narrow sense and a broad sense. In a narrow sense, it only refers to jadeite (represented by Burmese jadeite) and nephrite (represented by Hetian jade). Broadly speaking, it includes many kinds of minerals and rocks used for handicraft carving.