Verdite is the trade name for a light to dark-green, yellowish-green, bluish-green or brownish ornamental stone composed of fuchsite and clayey material dating back 3500 million years ago. Since verdite is a rock rather than a mineral, it doesn't have a definite chemical composition. Verdite is also known as Budstone or African Jade. It often has spots or a swirled appearance, a vitreous, silky or pearly luster and is translucent to opaque.
Verdite was discovered in North Kaap River, South Africa in areas where gold was found; it is a rare, exotic and wonderful stone of rare quality. The most significant verdite deposits are found in Zimbabwe. Though verdite is also found in the Transvaal region of South Africa, there is no other deposit of comparable quality anywhere in the world than in Zimbabwe.
Verdite has been used by South African native ancient tribesmen for hundreds of years as an ornamental stone and for amulets and was also crafted into jewelry. Verdite is often cut into cabochons, beads and spheres. It is also tumbled and often used for inlay. Verdite is frequently carved into animal or human forms as works of African art. The stone is rarely faceted and not usually treated or enhanced in any way.
In the knowledge that verdite is found only in Southern Africa and noting in particular that only Zimbabwe verdite has a uniquely high quality it is being sought after by international art collectors and investors who have quickly recognized it as a rare and intrinsically worthy material. That is the reason why verdite art works have the double attraction of beauty and a special value. Because it is a quickly diminishing resource the passage of time can only enhance this attraction.
