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.

Samples of the jade pieces to 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.

(BOCOG March 3, 2008)