Gem Library

BUYER’S OVERVIEW:
Jade is considered to be a semi-precious gemstone. Relatively abundant in nature, large natural stones are available. Jade is the generic name applied to the gem quality forms of Jadeite (JADE-ite) and Nephrite (NEF-rite). Both are similar in appearance and have the same gem use, so a distinction is not usually made between the two types of Jade. In order for Jadeite and Nephrite to be gem quality, they must be composed of tough, interlocking fibers that make them suitable for carving. The most valuable jade, known as “Imperial Jade”, is emerald green, with even color and translucent. Mottled green and white jade is a popular color often referred to as “Moss on Snow”. Rare colors of jade include yellow, pink, purple, and black. These colors, when found naturally, are usually soft and mottled, when you see strong even colored stones in these colors it is typically due to dyeing. If the color is truly natural (and this can be verified) the cost would be very high.

COLOR: Jadeite: white, green, yellow, reddish-orange, brown, gray, black and light purple (lavender).
Nephrite: light and dark green, yellow to brown, white, gray and black (both are often mottled).

APPEARANCE:
Semitransparent – opaque.

SIZE RANGE:
The very finest Jadeite is typically under 1 carat but quality Jadeite & Nephrite are available in large pieces.

TYPICAL CUTTING STYLES:
Semitransparent: cabochons, beads
Opaque: cabochons, beads and carvings.

POSSIBLE ENHANCEMENTS & TREATMENTS:
Bleach is sometimes used to remove undesirable colors such as rust. Dyeing is often used to improve the uniformity of color as is impregnation of the stone with paraffin to improve the polish. All of these treatments are common and fairly stable but chemicals and heat should be avoided.

HARDNESS:
6 to 7 on the Mohs scale.

BEST USE OF THE GEMSTONE:
Jade can be used in all types of jewelry.

CARE & CLEANING:
It is best to never expose colored gemstones to cleaning solvents or chemicals of any kind.
Common cleaning methods include:
Ultrasonic: never
Steamer: never (very heat sensitive)
Warm soapy water: safe
Reaction to Chemicals: can be damaged by acids.
Reaction to Heat: very heat sensitive, fuses easily under jeweler’s torch.
Stability to Light: generally stable after prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV light.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THIS GEMSTONE:
As early as 3000 B. C. Jade was known in China as “yu”, the “royal gem”. This gem is regarded as a symbol of the good, the beautiful and the precious. It embodies the Confucian virtues of wisdom, justice, compassion, modesty and courage. The early Mayas and Aztecs held Jade in higher esteem than gold. The name Jade is derived from the Spanish “piedra de ijada”, which means “loin-stone”. Jade has long been regarded as a remedy for kidney ailments and was also known as “lapis nephriticus”, hence Nephrite. Both Jadeite and Nephrite were used by Neolithic people to produce tools and weapons. Jade is hard, tough, heavy, and it takes and keeps a good edge.

The finest quality Jade is mined in Myanmar (Burma), then exported to China, where it is carved into gems and figures. This material, known as “Chinese Jade” to distinguish it from other Jade has a higher market value than Jade from other locations. “Mexican Jade” found in large deposits in Guatemala and Mexico, was mined as early as the pre-Columbian period by the Mayas, Aztecs and Olmecs who held Jade in higher esteem than gold. Jade carving in Central and South America came to an end with the Spanish conquest. “Russian Jade” is a leek-green variety found near Lake Baikal in Russia. “Canada Jade” or “Polar Jade” is a dark green Jade from Western Canada. The best Jade comes from Burma and Guatemala.



DESIGNATION:
Good luck; China – high rank and authority; 12^th wedding anniversary.

GEM LORE