This antique green "Fremont Jade" cowboy belt buckle was passed down by my great aunt. It's never been fastened to an actual belt and has spent decades in a box.
It has a vintage metal backing with a partial sticker that reads: "FREMONT JADE: Riverton, Wyo.; Wyo's Largest..."
Fremont jade refers to high-quality nephrite jade found in Fremont County, Wyoming, specifically within the Granite Mountains and near Jeffrey City. It is renowned for its diverse colors, ranging from black and olive to highly prized "apple green," and was designated as the official state gemstone of Wyoming in 1967.
The cabochon belt buckle is 3 inches wide, 2 inches tall, and weighs 5 oz.
There are two small shiny flecks in the stone, found on the right side. Research tells me it's likely graphite or hematite, which sometimes form within the nephrite.