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Where to Find Jade in British Columbia: 47 Mapped Sites

British Columbia has 47 documented sites where jade have been reported, and the best-known are Kwanika Creek, North Bend, and Fraser Rockhound. Every site is mapped below with GPS coordinates and links to a full report of access and what's been found there.

Last updated: — data compiled by the Rockhounding.org Research Team · methodology

Jade Map: British Columbia

All 47 jade sites in British Columbia. Click a pin for the full site report.

Where Jade Are Found in British Columbia

Jade forms along serpentinite belts at old plate boundaries and travels far as river and beach cobbles. Water-worn cobbles with a greasy rind are the classic find; test suspect stones on the spot.

The richest reported sites in British Columbia: Kwanika Creek, North Bend, Fraser Rockhound, King Kong, Lytton Gems.

All Jade Sites in British Columbia

How to Identify Jade

Jade (nephrite or jadeite) is defined by toughness, not hardness: its interlocking fibrous structure means it will not shatter under a hammer blow the way most green rocks do. It feels dense and cool, takes a greasy-to-waxy polish, and rings when tapped. Serpentine is the common impostor — it scratches easily with a knife, while jade resists.

Not sure what you found? Try our identification guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find jade in British Columbia?

British Columbia has 47 mapped sites where jade have been reported. The best-known are Kwanika Creek, North Bend, and Fraser Rockhound. Each listing on the map above includes GPS coordinates, access type, and what has been found there.

How many jade sites are mapped in British Columbia?

We have 47 documented jade sites in British Columbia, compiled from provincial geological survey records and community submissions, reviewed by the Rockhounding.org Research Team.

Is it legal to collect jade in British Columbia?

Casual hand collecting is generally allowed on unclaimed Crown land in British Columbia. It is prohibited in parks, on active mineral claims, and on private land without permission. Always verify land status before you dig.

How do I identify jade?

Jade (nephrite or jadeite) is defined by toughness, not hardness: its interlocking fibrous structure means it will not shatter under a hammer blow the way most green rocks do. It feels dense and cool, takes a greasy-to-waxy polish, and rings when tapped. Serpentine is the common impostor — it scratches easily with a knife, while jade resists.

⚠️ Always verify current regulations, weather conditions, and access requirements before visiting any location. Information provided is based on community submissions and may not be current or accurate.

Data: BC Geological Survey MINFILE — reviewed and approved by the Rockhounding.org Research Team. Always verify current land status, regulations, and access before visiting any site.