Where does Ruyang plum blossom jade come from?

Plum blossom jade, also known as jade, is produced in Shangdian Town, Ruyang County, Henan Province, a "Yangshao Cultural Site", and is named after its colorful plum blossom patterns.

Liu Xiu, Emperor Guangwu of Han Dynasty, once named this jade a "national treasure". Plum blossom jade is delicate and crystal clear, with a dark background and vivid plum blossoms. Fitness balls, jade bracelets, tea sets, wine sets, stationery and other handicrafts made of plum blossom jade shine with noble and elegant brilliance, and are called "Oriental Emerald". The State Sports Commission, Writers Association, Literary Federation and other units have used plum blossom jade products as prizes to reward athletes and literary and art workers.

At present, there are more than a dozen manufacturers producing plum-blossom jade handicrafts in Ruyang County, and there are more than 100 kinds of plum-blossom jade products, which are widely favored in the international and domestic markets.

There are two main ore deposits, Guandigou in Shangdian and Nieping in Wangping. At present, the proven jade reserves are 30 million cubic meters, which are produced in the upper strata of the Mesoproterozoic Xiong 'er Group. According to the quality of jade, there are two kinds of jade: plum blossom jade and jade. Jade is dark in color, hard and delicate in texture, with red, yellow, green, blue, white and purple spots, forming various patterns of flowers, birds, insects and fish, especially plum blossom patterns, hence the name Yu Meihua. According to legend, Liu Xiu, Emperor Guangwu of Han Dynasty, once conferred this jade as a "national treasure" and had the reputation of "Oriental Emerald". There are many jade processing factories in the county, which process more than 200 kinds of handicrafts such as bowls, dishes, plates, cups, stationery, fitness balls, jade screens and urns. Du Kang wine bottles made of this jade are exported overseas as gifts from foreign heads of state.