What is Jadeite: Jadeite jade is a precious gemstone with a long history and many myths. It is undeniable that this stone has plenty of beauty and mystery. Therefore, it should not be surprising that it has been revered by cultures worldwide for centuries and that it is still popular today.
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Some believe that it possesses magical properties, while others appreciate its natural elegance. Whatever your reason is for wanting jadeite, you won't be disappointed.
This precious stone is highly sought after for its commercial value and healing properties. Let's dive into a detailed guide to learn everything interesting about jadeite.
What is Jadeite: Jade, the Lore of a Gemstone
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Jade has been around for centuries. It comes from two different types of rocks: jadeite and nephrite. Both are found in various parts of the world, and each variety has its own unique properties.
It can be found in multiple colors, but mostly in green. Some other available colors are white, black, purple and red.
The green gemstone is used in jewelry, carvings and other decorative items. Jade has a long and exciting history. Many cultures have used it for religious and social rituals.
Jade is believed to have many properties, including healing and protective powers. People who believe in astrology value this stone highly as the birthstone for March and August.
What is Jadeite: a Colorful Stone With a Rich History
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This beautiful stone’s rich history makes it a favorite among collectors. Jadeite is a silicate mineral formation that belongs to the pyroxene family. It can be found in various colors, including green, white, blue, lavender and pink. The most valuable pieces of jadeite have a deep green color.
The stone has a high concentration of sodium, which gives its characteristic colors and makes it slightly harder than nephrite. It's also less common than nephrite, making it more valuable.
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Jadeite can be found in Myanmar (Burma), China, Russia, Canada and a few other places. The gemstone promotes good health, increases vitality, and brings good luck. It is also said to be a powerful stone of protection, so if you're looking for a little bit of extra help with your health and well-being, consider adding a piece of jadeite jade to your collection.
Jadeite vs Nephrite Jade: a Brief History
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The most common variety of jade is nephrite, which is primarily available in a greenish-black color. It also comes in other colors, including white, yellow and red. The gemstone has been widely used in many cultures for thousands of years because it has been the readily available jade type.
Nephrite is one of the oldest gemstones globally, and has been used in jewelry, carvings, and other decorative items for thousands of years. It also has extensive religious and social significance in various cultures.
How to Tell the Differences Between Jadeite and Nephrite
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Jadeite and nephrite are two different types of the jade gemstone. Many people confuse them, but they are actually quite different.
Mineral composition. You first need to know that jadeite and nephrite have different mineral compositions. Jadeite is made of pyroxene, while nephrite comes from the amphibole family of minerals. This means that they have different chemical compositions and look different when cut or polished.
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Translucence and color. Jadeite is generally more translucent than nephrite and has a broader range of colors: green, lavender, white and pink. Nephrite is usually more opaque and has a narrower range of colors, including green, yellow, white and black.
Surface texture. Each type of jade feels different to touch. Jadeite tends to have smoother textures with fewer imperfections than nephrite. This means that you can tell them apart by looking at how they feel when touched or held in your hand.
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Availability and price. Jadeite is quite rare and can only be found in certain parts of the world. Nephrite, on the other hand, is much more common. Both jade types are found in metamorphic rocks. But jadeite is formed under higher pressure than nephrite. This makes nephrite easier to get hold of, and is therefore cheaper.
The Different Types of Jadeite
Like nephrite, jadeite has a handful of variations, and each one has its own unique look and feel.
Imperial Jade
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This type of jadeite is characterized by its bright emerald-green color and translucence, which gives it an almost glass-like appearance. When exposed to light sources like sunlight or artificial lighting, the jade displays a bright hue. Imperial jades are typically cut into cabochons or beads and are often used in jewelry.
Kingfisher Jade
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This is another green jadeite that is slightly less vivid than the imperial variety. The name comes from its resemblance to the feathers of the kingfisher bird. Kingfisher jade has a beautiful dark green hue.
Apple Green Jade
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As the name suggests, apple green jade displays a vibrant yellowish-green color. It has excellent transparency like all other jadeite jades.
Moss in Snow Jade
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This is a spectacular two-tone jadeite sought after by collectors. The stone is mostly white with sporadic splashes of mossy green patches.
Lavender Jade
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This light purple variety of jadeite has become increasingly popular. The name comes from its delicate violet hue. Lavender jade is the new favorite for people who want something different from the available green varieties.
Olmec Blue Jade
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A light, greenish-blue variety of jadeite was highly sought after in the ancient Olmec civilization. Because of its color, it was an essential part of their water-related rituals. Olmec blue jade is prized for its beautiful color and the high quality of its crystals.
Turkish Purple Jade
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This is a dark purple variety of jadeite found only in the Bursa region in Turkey. This unique gemstone has a dark purple or gray-purple color mottled with other shades.
What is Type a, B and C Jade?
Natural jades are beautiful, but jewelers still chemically treat some of them to enhance the beauty and luster of the gemstones. A treated jadeite's quality is labeled into Type A, B or C.
Type A Jadeite
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Type A refers to pure jadeite, free of any chemical treatment. The procedure involves a simple wax coating that doesn't devalue the stones.
After cleaning and fine polishing, the stones are dipped in hot, liquid wax. It fills in the tiny surface openings and cracks. The gemstone is then buffed to a glossy finish.
Type B Jadeite
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These stones go through an acidic treatment to remove oxidation and impurities. The acid lightens their color, creating a bleaching effect. Getting rid of impurities means the creation of many tiny pores across the stone. So, it gets infused with polymer resin to create a smoother and more polished surface.
Type B jadeite will turn yellowish under heat and sunlight exposure. Acidic treatment also makes it fragile.
Type C Jadeite
These gemstones undergo a coloring treatment after being treated with acid and polymer resin. However, the color fades over time, and the stone also deteriorates quicker.
What is Jadeite: the Various Uses of Jadeite Jade
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If you're looking for the perfect gemstone for your décor, jewelry or healing practices, look no further than jadeite jade. This beautiful stone has many exceptional properties that benefit your mind, body and spirit.
In ancient times, jade was believed to be the stone of healing and wisdom. It is a highly durable material that can withstand high temperatures without breaking or cracking, making it ideal for carving into intricate shapes like pendants, earrings and figurines.
Some of the earliest jade artifacts, which date back to 4000 BCE, were found in China. Jade was considered an essential material for Chinese culture. It was used in many different ways, from jewelry to décor items, to weapons and tools.
It's believed that jadeite jade can help with relaxation because it emits negative ions, which are said to improve air quality and decrease anxiety levels in people. Additionally, there are claims about the stone's ability to reduce inflammation and ease symptoms of depression when worn against the skin. However, there is no scientific proof that these claims are valid.
While jadeite jade may not have all of its purported benefits, it does look beautiful. Today, it is still considered one of the most valuable stones in the world.
What's the Cost of Jadeite?
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A jadeite necklace from the Hutton collection was sold for 27 million US$ in 2014. The piece was made of 27 highly transparent emerald green color beads.
Average-quality jadeite can range from $70 to over $400 per carat. A jadeite bangle (not the finest quality) could be around $10,000. In comparison, a nephrite bangle is available for only $500.
Old jadeite stones and intricate carvings have collector's value like all gemstones. However, the priciest jadeite is an intense green variety, known as imperial or Burmese jade. One carat of it can cost $3 million!
Some jadeite varieties can cost more than diamonds, especially those with a vibrant green color and flawless clarity.
How to Care for Jadeite Jewelry
Jadeite is a valuable gemstone and needs to be treated with care. Let's discuss the process of cleaning and taking care of your jadeite jewelry. Keep your prized possession looking its best for years with these tips.
Cleaning
- To clean dirt and oil, soak it in lukewarm water mixed with a few drops of liquid soap.
- Avoid using any harsh chemicals or cleaning products, as these could damage the gemstone.
- Gently rub the jewelry with a soft cloth, sponge or brush until it's clean.
- Rinse it thoroughly under running water and dry it with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Maintenance Tips
- Avoid exposing your jewelry to harsh chemicals or cleaning products.
- Don't wear jadeite jewelry when doing manual labor or participating in sports or other vigorous activities.
- Remove your jewelry before showering or bathing.
- Make sure to clean your jewelry regularly, at least every few months.
- Store your jewelry in a fabric-lined box or pouch to prevent scratches.
With proper care, your jadeite jewelry can last for years without fading or breaking.
Last Words
Jadeite is a precious gemstone that has been valued for centuries. It was used as a symbol of power and status in ancient times, and it continues to be cherished today. If you're looking to buy jadeite, be sure to read this guide to score real jade ornaments.
FAQS What is Jadeite
Q. What is the Difference Between Jade and Jadeite?
A. Jadeite is one of the two types of jade, so there's no essential difference between them. However, it differs from nephrite, the other type of jade.
Q. What is Jadeite Worth?
A. Jadeite's worth depends on its variety and quality, and whether it’s been treated or not. The imperial jade is the most valuable, but there are low-priced variations too.
Q. Why is Jadeite So Expensive?
A. It's expensive mainly due to its rarity. However, its high price also depends on its smooth texture and translucent clarity.
Q. Is Jadeite a Glass?
A. No. Thin pieces of the finest quality jadeite may look like glass because of their excellent lucency. However, they have different chemical compositions, hardness and values.
Q. What is Jadeite Good for?
A. Jadeite is mainly used as a valuable gemstone, but it's also good for decorative carvings, and people in many cultures believe it to have various healing properties.
Q. What is the Rarest Jade Color?
A. The rarest jade color is the vibrant emerald green color of the imperial jade.
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