Century-old jade disc found confirms ancient legend

After 30 years of geological study in Jingshan Mountain and its surrounding areas, Chinese researchers have finally unearthed Jinyu and seven other types of jade objects in Baokang, Hubei province.

Jinyu is a rare high quality gem with ultra-hardness; it is classified as a new type of jade. Its hardness is generally between 8 and 10 degrees. Jinyu contains precious metals and trace elements. The hardness, gloss and color of Jinyu match the historical records of the jade disc in the legendary story of He Shi Bi which dates back 2,000 years.

The He Shi Bi, literally means "Jade disc of He", is a piece of jade which plays an important part in many historical stories in Ancient China. Found in the State of Chu by a man named Bian He, it was first made into a jade disc, then into the Imperial Seal of China by Qin Shi Huang, who ended the Warring States period by completing the conquest of China in 221 BC.