Jadeite jade
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Jadeite Jade Overview
Jadeite Jade is a beautiful stone that can appear in a variety of colors, including green, orange, black, purple, and white. It is prized for its luster and smooth texture, as well as its significance in many cultures where it has often symbolized purity, good fortune, and protection. This gem is famously valued for its vibrant translucency and, depending on its quality, can exhibit an almost glowing internal radiance.
Only jadeite jade and nephrite jade are considered authentic jade. Among these two varieties, Jadeite Jade is generally the most sought after due to its finer texture, higher hardness, and more vibrant range of colors. Nephrite also has a longstanding history, but jadeite jade—especially from Myanmar—tends to command the highest prices in the market, particularly when it displays an intense emerald-green shade often referred to as “imperial jade.”
Jadeite Jade’s unique charm stems from its robust composition and its ability to be intricately carved into jewelry, sculptures, and ornamental pieces. Historically, it has been revered across Asia and beyond, where it was believed to offer spiritual benefits and symbolize nobility or status. Today, collectors still seek premium grades of Jadeite Jade both for their aesthetic allure and for their potential investment value.
Quality and Origin
The quality of Jadeite Jade is commonly classified by grades: high, medium, and low, indicating various degrees of translucency, texture, and color intensity. When purchasing Jadeite Jade, it is crucial to identify its clarity, uniformity of color, and any enhancements it may have undergone. The most expensive and most sought-after Jadeite Jade (often called Burmese jadeite or imperial jade) usually comes from Myanmar (formerly Burma), but small amounts are also found in Guatemala, Mexico, and Russia.
Meanwhile, about 75% of the world’s overall jade supply (in the form of nephrite) comes from British Columbia. Nephrite is also mined in Taiwan, parts of the USA, and, to a lesser extent, Australia. However, the term “jade” in the gem trade is legitimately applied only to jadeite jade and nephrite jade, making it essential to recognize imitations and correctly identify natural pieces.
Imitations and Treatments
Several materials can imitate jade but are not true jadeite jade. These include serpentine (often marketed as “new jade” or “olive jade”), prehnite, aventurine quartz, grossular garnet (“Transvaal jade”), chrysoprase (“Australian jade”), dyed translucent quartz, and opaque dolomitic marble (“Jade Mountain” from Asia). When shopping for genuine Jadeite Jade, be aware that some pieces, even if they are real jade, may have been tinted, bleached, or stabilized with polymers.
Some manufacturers also produce jade that is effectively doubled or tripled—where a thin layer of real Jadeite Jade is cemented to another material. Identifying these composites often requires gemological tools and a trained eye.
Types of Jadeite Jade
Type A
Type A refers to Jadeite Jade that is natural and untreated, having undergone only a traditional cleaning process (using plum juice, for example) and finishing with beeswax for a final polish. No artificial treatments (like excessive heat or high-pressure procedures) are applied. As a result, the color and clarity you see are authentic and unaltered, showcasing the stone’s genuine beauty.
Type B
Type B Jadeite Jade is chemically bleached to remove impurities and then injected with polymers to enhance its translucency. A clear plastic-like coating may be present. While it remains 100% real jade in terms of base material, this enhancement can lead to instability over time if the polymers degrade due to heat or contact with certain chemicals. Nonetheless, its color is still considered natural because no dyes are added.
Type C
Type C Jadeite Jade is chemically bleached and then dyed to improve or alter its color. This type is prone to fading over time, especially when exposed to strong light, body heat, or household detergents. Since it involves both bleaching and dyeing, one should exercise caution when purchasing Type C.
Care and Maintenance
Caring for Jadeite Jade involves gentle cleaning and mindful storage. It is generally safe to clean it using mild soap, warm water, and a soft brush or cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners, especially if the jade is treated (Type B or C), as these methods can cause the polymers or dyes to deteriorate. When not wearing your Jadeite Jade jewelry, store it separately from other pieces to prevent scratches.
Natural Burmese Jadeite Jade, from Myanmar
FAQ
>Is Jadeite Jade more valuable than nephrite jade?
Generally, Jadeite Jade is considered more valuable due to its rarity, higher translucency, and vivid color range. Top-quality pieces from Myanmar, often called imperial jade, can fetch very high prices.
How can I tell if my Jadeite Jade is real?
Confirming authenticity often requires professional testing, such as checking the stone’s density, refractive index, and internal features. A gemological laboratory report is the most reliable way to be sure.
What makes Jadeite Jade so special in certain cultures?
Jadeite Jade has long held cultural significance, symbolizing nobility, prosperity, and good health. In many traditions, it is valued for its perceived protective qualities and connection to spiritual well-being.
Does color affect the value of Jadeite Jade?
Yes, color greatly influences value. Highly saturated green, known as imperial jade, is typically the most prized. However, lavender, orange, white, and black varieties are also sought after when they exhibit good translucency and vibrant tones.
Can Jadeite Jade be worn daily?
Absolutely. High-quality Jadeite Jade is durable enough to wear regularly. Just remember to clean it gently, avoid harsh chemicals, and store it carefully to preserve its beauty over time.
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