What's the difference between jade and jadeite?

One of two distinct minerals commonly known as jade, jadeite is the rarer and harder variety. Rich green jadeite, known as “imperial jade,” is also the most highly valued. However, durable jadeite can be found in many colors and is well-suited for both intricate carvings and cabochons.


Which is more valuable jadeite or jade?

Real jade can be pricey, especially if it's jadeite, the rarer, more valuable form of jade. Jadeite is one of the two mineral species that can be classified as jade: the other is nephrite, a much more common and less valuable mineral.

Which color of jade is most valuable?

Jadeite comes in a wide range of colors. The most valuable is an intense green called Imperial.


How can you tell if jade is nephrite or jadeite?

Jadeite comes in a broader range of colors than nephrite which only comes in green, white, and yellow. However, jadeite mainly has varying shades of green that range between apple-green and emerald. Jadeite's luster appears more oily, while nephrite luster is vitreous or glassy.

How do I tell what grade my jade is?

Grade 1: Many inclusions, most of which are black. Grade 2: Many inclusions, most of which are white, with some black inclusions. Grade 3: Some inclusions, all are white or light coloured. Grade 4: Few inclusions, all white or light coloured.


What is JADE? When is it Jadeite? When is it Nephrite? (for the average person to understand) - 2021



How do you test jade with light?

Check for a smooth, bright color that reflects light like water.
  1. Jade can sometimes be totally opaque, but the opaque stones aren't very valuable.
  2. If it looks like there are air bubbles in the stone, then it's likely not real.


How can you tell if it's real jade?

Scratch your bracelet's surface with a steel object like a knife or needle. If it leaves a clear mark, the jewelry piece is not genuine. Other jewelry gemstones like topaz or amethyst will nick jade easily, so that's a good way to tell real jade from fake. No powdery substance should come off because of the scraping.

Is lighter or darker jade more valuable?

For jadeite, the intensity of the green color, combined with a high degree of translucency are the key factors in judging value. Stones which are too dark in color or not so translucent are less highly valued.


Is darker or lighter jade more expensive?

Many of us think of the rich bottle green color when we think of jade, and this is not a coincidence. The more green jade is, the higher its value. The most expensive examples of jade are in so called Imperial Jade color, which is a rich and vibrant emerald green.

Is jadeite fake jade?

Jadeite or Nephrite

Nephrite or Jadeite, they are both real, authentic Jade. If you are looking for the same Chinese Jade Bangles that gets sold for millions of dollars at auction and was worn by the traditional Chinese imperial families, then you are looking for Jadeite Jade.

Does jadeite glow under black light?

A black light gives off ultraviolet (UV) light and when it is shone on fluorescent substances, such as uranium-containing Jadeite, it causes the Jadeite to absorb the UV light and re-emit it at a different wavelength, making the light visible and the Jadeite dishes appear to glow.


How much is pure jade worth?

Jade is difficult to understand, and values fluctuate wildly – from $3 to thousands per carat. For years, we were not able to master this multilayered gem with so many uses, definitions and colors.

How can you tell if jadeite is vintage?

Let's talk about how to spot the difference between old and new jadeite. However, not all genuine jadeite pieces have markings indicating the manufacturer. This is where it can be a little tricky. Genuine vintage jadeite is usually a little more opaque and a bit heavier than the more modern reproductions.

What are the three types of jade?

Jadeite is separated into three categories: A jadeite jade (untreated), B jadeite jade (bleached and impregnated) and C jadeite jade (bleached, impregnated and dyed). Translucent emerald green jadeite, also called "Imperial Jade" is the most prized. Jadeite is mainly mined in Myanmar, Guatemala and the USA.


Does jadeite have value?

These auctions clearly show that jadeite is among the most valuable of all gemstones. The most valuable jadeites are those of high translucency and rich Cr-green color. Nephrite has little value as a gem in and of itself, but carvings can be quite valuable.

What is the most sought after jade?

Imperial Jade from Burma is the most expensive type of Jade. It is the most expensive because it is the highest quality, the most sought-after color, and remains today the most highly prized source of jadeite around the world.

What does low quality jade look like?

Low-quality jadeite with poor transparency, such as moss-in-snow, flower green, and extreme pea green jade, is commonly used for bleaching. These poor varieties of jade all reveal their original distinctive characteristics even after bleaching, and some are more visible than others.


Why did my jade turn white?

The intensity of the colour of Jade will only change due to dirt or grease that can sometimes get trapped on the surface, or if the Jade piece has undergone colour treatment, gradually fading to its original state as time passes.

Does real jade break easily?

Because of its interlocking crystalline structure, it's very very good for daily wear. Disclosure: Jadeite is tough, but it will break if hit really hard against something.

Does real jade turn color?

Natural jade will not change color from sunlight, and while heat treatment can darken the hue of some red jade, heat from day-to-day exposure to weather and household appliances will not affect the color at all.


Can you wear real jade in the shower?

Yes, you can shower wearing your jade bangle treated or not. It also allows a chance for the bangle to be routinely cleaned.

How do I know if my jade is valuable?

The most significant value factors for jade gemstones are color, origin, and size. The most valuable jade color is known as “imperial jade” and occurs only in jadeite. Imperial jade is a green balanced between blue and yellow hues. The ideal tone is medium-dark, about 75%, where green hues are optimally saturated.

What energy does jade give off?

Jade is believed to bring luck.

Just like a four-leaf clover is considered a symbol of good fortune, jade is thought to have protective, lucky-charm energy. That's why you'll often see jade statues used in feng shui, and why babies in Asian cultures are often gifted jade bracelets when they're born.


Are you supposed to be gifted jade?

Jade (pounamu) is a precious stone in Maori history and thus has a long-standing tradition of being gifted to others. Throughout history it has been used to seal bonds; whether for friendship, relationships, peace, or to show gratitude and thanks.