Jadeite jade type C
Jadeite jade Type C is a variety of jadeite that has undergone a series of treatments, including dyeing, to enhance its color and appearance. This type of jade has been chemically bleached and impregnated with colored dye to give it a more vibrant hue.
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In some cases, the jadeite stone undergoes acid treatment before being dyed, and is then impregnated with polymer to make the detection of these enhancements more challenging. These additional treatments make it crucial for buyers to be cautious, as identifying such enhancements with the naked eye can be difficult.
Identification of Treated Jadeite
For the average person, distinguishing between natural and treated jadeite is nearly impossible. However, experienced jade cutters may be able to tell the difference due to slight changes in the stone’s weight. When jade is infused with polymer resin, the resulting product is typically lighter than untreated jade.
Nevertheless, even for experts, such assessments by touch or visual inspection are not always foolproof. For valuable jadeite pieces, it is advisable to have them certified by a reputable gemstone laboratory. Jadeite certifications generally categorize jadeite into three types: Type A, Type B, and Type C.
Type A Jadeite Jade
Type A jadeite is completely natural, meaning it retains its true color without any artificial enhancements or treatments. The stone has not undergone bleaching, dyeing, or polymer impregnation, making it the purest form of jadeite available.
One way to identify natural jadeite is by looking for black, yellow, or brown inclusions. These inclusions may appear as large patches, often found in flower-green varieties, or as small, dark grey or yellowish dots near carving lines. Occasionally, such inclusions are hidden close to prong settings in jewelry, particularly rings.
Type B Jadeite Jade
Type B jadeite, first introduced in the 1980s, is often referred to as “bleached jade.” In this treatment process, the stone is bleached to remove undesirable inclusions, such as yellow, brown, or black impurities. After bleaching, the stone is injected with polymer to enhance its transparency and stability.
While the treatment improves the appearance of jade, it does not completely eliminate its original characteristics. Poor-quality jadeite, such as moss-in-snow or flower-green jade, may still reveal visible signs of treatment to the naked eye. For instance, the black patches in flower-green jade may be reduced in intensity but still remain as blurry marks.
Type C Jadeite Jade
Type C jadeite has undergone both bleaching and dyeing treatments. After chemical bleaching, the stone is dyed to enhance its color, giving it a more vibrant and visually appealing appearance. However, the dye used can fade over time when exposed to strong light, body heat, or household cleaning products.
One of the distinguishing features of Type C jadeite is its awkward bluish-green coloration, which appears unnatural. Another common sign of Type C jadeite is the uneven distribution of color, with fine green areas visible to the naked eye. This effect is sometimes referred to as the “dipping donut” effect, similar to dipping one side of a donut into a glaze. In jadeite bangles, this effect is often noticeable where the dye solution has unevenly soaked into the stone.
Why Certification Matters for Jadeite
Certification is essential when purchasing jadeite, especially when it comes to treated varieties like Type B and Type C jadeite. Certified jadeite undergoes rigorous testing by gemstone laboratories, ensuring that any treatments are clearly disclosed. This transparency helps buyers make informed decisions and protects them from purchasing treated jadeite at the price of natural, untreated jadeite.
Gemstone certification also provides peace of mind, particularly for collectors and investors. As jadeite is highly valued in many cultures and often considered a long-term investment, having accurate information about its treatments, origin, and quality can significantly impact the value and desirability of a piece.
Understanding the Value of Jadeite
The value of jadeite jade is determined by several factors, including its color, transparency, texture, and any treatments it has undergone. Among these factors, color is often the most significant. Natural jadeite with an intense, even green color is highly prized and considered the most valuable. Transparency, or the degree to which light passes through the stone, also plays a key role in determining its value. High-quality jadeite is often semi-transparent, with a glowing, almost luminous appearance.
While Type B and Type C jadeite can have enhanced color and clarity, their value is generally lower than natural Type A jadeite due to the presence of artificial treatments. Collectors and enthusiasts often prefer untreated jadeite because of its authenticity and natural beauty, which cannot be fully replicated through treatment processes.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between Type A, Type B, and Type C jadeite is essential for anyone interested in purchasing jadeite gemstones. While Type A jadeite represents the purest, most natural form of jadeite, Types B and C involve treatments that alter the stone’s original properties. Recognizing these differences, along with the importance of gemstone certification, can help buyers make more informed decisions and appreciate the unique qualities of each type of jadeite.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, it is always advisable to consult with experts and seek certified gemstones to ensure the quality and authenticity of your jadeite purchase. Visit our shop to explore a wide range of natural gemstones, including certified jadeite in various forms and colors.
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We offer a wide selection of untreated and high-quality natural gemstones in our shop. Our collection includes a variety of jadeite types, as well as other unique gemstones that are ethically sourced and certified for authenticity. Explore our shop to find the perfect gemstone for your collection.
