What is Jade? A Timeless Treasure of Nature
Jade is more than just a gemstone—it is a symbol of history, culture, and enduring value. Treasured across civilizations for its beauty and spiritual significance, jade has remained a gemstone of distinction, worn by emperors, artisans, and collectors alike. But what exactly is jade, and why is it so revered?
This page will guide you through the fascinating world of Jade, helping you understand its origins, composition, and what makes it a valuable and meaningful investment.
1. The Two Types of Jade: Jadeite & Nephrite
Jade is a term that refers to two distinct minerals: Jadeite and Nephrite. Though both share a rich history and similar visual appeal, they are scientifically and structurally different.
Jadeite: Harder, Glassy Luster
Jadeite is the more precious and sought-after form of jade, known for its vibrant colors, high translucency, and exceptional density. Major sources include Myanmar and Guatemala. Jadeite comes in various colors, with Imperial Green being the most valuable, then is lavender (Imperial Purple), red, yellow, black and white. Due to its scarcity and difficulty in artificial reproduction, jadeite retains strong value and is considered an investment gemstone.
Mohs hardness : approximately 6.5-7.
Nephrite: Softer, Tougher, Waxy Luster
Nephrite is a type of jade composed of the tremolite-actinolite mineral group. It is mainly found in China, New Zealand, Russia, and Canada. It is typically softer than jadeite but tougher, making it ideal for carvings, sculptures, and traditional ornaments. Its colors range from creamy white to deep green. Compared to Jadeite, Nephrite is softer and has a smoother, more waxy feel. Though Nephrite has been highly valued for centuries and has been traditionally used for ritual objects, ornaments, and artifacts. Hetian jade (Hetian Yu) is a premium type of nephrite. While nephrite generally has a lower market value than jadeite, its cultural and historical significance remains profound.
Mohs hardness : approximately 5.5-6.
2. The Origins and Formation of Jade
Jade is a gemstone born from immense geological pressure over millions of years. Found in select regions worldwide, it forms through a rare combination of minerals and natural forces.
Where is Jadeite Found?
Jadeite is predominantly sourced from Myanmar, with smaller deposits in Guatemala, Japan, and Russia.
Nephrite is found in China, Canada, New Zealand, and Russia.
Why is Jadeite Rare?
Unlike diamonds and most gemstones, jade’s structure is polycrystalline, making it hard to duplicate; even if the artificially replicated one existed, it’s easy to detect. This is the reason why Jade is highly valuable.
3. What is Fei Cui ?
Combination of Jadeite, Omphacite, Kosmochlor
Fei Cui (known for Jadeite) is a precious gemstone composed mainly of jadeite, omphacite, and kosmochlor. Among them, jadeite is the primary mineral, giving the stone its hardness and durability, with a Mohs hardness of 6.5-7, making it more wear-resistant than other jades. Omphacite influences the color and translucency of jadeite, as it contains iron and magnesium, which contribute to various shades of green. Kosmochlor is rich in chromium, but sometimes, with too much chromium, the color usually becomes very dark.
Jadeite comes in a wide range of colors, in terms of formation sequence: white, purple, green, black, yellow, and red. Imperial Green is the rarest and most sought-after, and Imperial Purple is also really rare.
If you want to know more about Jadeite, please check
Understanding Fei Cui Quality
