Jade pieces for Olympic medals ready

Samples of the jade pieces to be set into the Olympic medals

(BEIJING, March 3) -- All 3,030 jade pieces for the Olympic medals have been produced, reported the Liao Shen Evening Paper. The jade pieces, produced through a strictly controlled process, are on their way to the Shanghai Mint, where the jade pieces will be set into the Olympic medals.

The Beijing Olympic gold, silver and bronze medals -- 1,010 of each -- stand out against past Olympic medals, as they incorporate a traditional Chinese feature: jade. The jade will be set into the reverse side of the medals, with white jade for the gold, greenish-white jade for the silver and green jade for the bronze.

Using a precious-grade jade from Kunlun Mountain that is recognized by jewelry experts everywhere, the jade pieces were produced in Yangzhou, a place known for its exquisite carving craft. The Kunlun jade was donated from Qinghai Province.

Each sturdy jade piece is 7mm in diameter and 3.5-4mm in thickness and can withstand the impact of a drop from 20m.

The medals for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games will be produced using materials from three countries: jade from China and gold, silver, and bronze materials from Australia and Chile. The Shanghai Mint will complete the production of the Olympic medals in June.