Xiuyan Jade, Fluorite, and Jet: Three Distinctive Ornamental Treasures
The world of Chinese collectible stones extends far beyond the classic jades. This exploration introduces three materials with unique histories and characteristics: the ancient Xiuyan Jade, the luminous Fluorite, and the deep black Jet. Each occupies a special niche, from Neolithic ritual use to Victorian mourning jewelry, offering collectors a glimpse into the diverse applications of ornamental stones across cultures and millennia.
中國收藏級寶石的世界遠不止經典的玉石。本次介紹的三種材料擁有獨特的歷史和特性：古老的 岫玉 、會發光的 螢石 以及深黑色的 煤玉 。每一種都佔據著特殊的地位，從新石器時代的禮器到維多利亞時期的哀悼珠寶，為收藏家展示了裝飾石材在不同文化和數千年歷史中的多樣應用。
1. Xiuyan Jade (蛇紋石玉): The “First Jade” of China
With a history of use dating back over 8,000 years to the Neolithic period, Xiuyan Jade (serpentine jade) holds the venerable title of “天下第一玉” (The First Jade Under Heaven) in Chinese tradition. It was the primary material for ancient ritual objects, figurines, and ornaments long before nephrite from Hetian became predominant.
岫玉（蛇紋石玉）的使用歷史可追溯至 八千多年前 的新石器時代，在中國傳統中享有 「天下第一玉」 的尊稱。在和田軟玉成為主流之前，它是古代禮器、人物雕件和飾品的主要材料。
- Scientific Profile: It is a hydrous magnesium silicate with a low hardness (Mohs 2.5-4) and a characteristic waxy to greasy luster. Its colors range from pale white and green-white to apple green and aqua green.
- 科學特性： 它是一種含水矽酸鎂， 硬度較低（摩氏2.5-4） ，具有特徵性的 蠟狀至油脂光澤 。顏色從淡白色、綠白色到蘋果綠、湖水綠不等。
- Source: The finest quality historically comes from Xiuyan County in Liaoning province, though serpentine deposits are found worldwide (e.g., “New Jade” from New Zealand, “Bowenite”).
- 產地： 歷史上最優質的岫玉產自 遼寧省岫岩縣 ，儘管蛇紋石礦床在全球都有發現（例如紐西蘭的「新玉」，鮑文玉）。
- The Legend of Luminosity: A fascinating aspect of some Xiuyan Jade is its phosphorescence. Historically termed “夜明珠” (Night Bright Pearl), certain specimens can absorb light and emit a soft greenish glow in darkness for a period, giving rise to legendary tales of “luminous jade cups.” This is a rare and natural optical phenomenon.
- 發光傳說： 某些岫玉的一個迷人特性是其 磷光現象 。歷史上稱為 「夜明珠」 ，特定標本可以吸收光線並在黑暗中發出一段時間的柔和綠光，由此產生了關於「夜光杯」的傳奇故事。這是一種稀有的自然光學現象。
- Collector’s View: Valued for its deep historical resonance, smooth texture, and often attractive veining. It is widely used for large decorative carvings, vases, and affordable jewelry, making it an excellent entry point for those interested in historical Chinese jade culture.
- 收藏視角： 因其 深厚的歷史底蘊、溫潤的質地和常具吸引力的紋理 而受珍視。廣泛用於 大型裝飾雕刻、花瓶和實惠的首飾 ，是對中國古代玉文化感興趣者的絕佳入門之選。
2. Fluorite (萤石): The Colorful “Soft Gem”
Fluorite is a calcium fluoride mineral celebrated for its exquisite range of colors—deep purples, vibrant greens, blues, and yellows—and its perfect octahedral or cubic crystals. Known as the “most colorful mineral in the world,” its name comes from its use as a flux in iron smelting (Latin fluere, “to flow”).
螢石 是一種氟化鈣礦物，以其 豐富的色彩 （深紫色、鮮綠色、藍色和黃色）和完美的 八面體或立方體晶形 而聞名。被稱為 「世界上最多彩的礦物」 ，其名稱源於它在 煉鐵中作為助熔劑 的用途（拉丁語 fluere，意為「流動」）。
- Properties: It is notably soft (Mohs 4) with high transparency and a vitreous luster. This softness makes it easy to carve but unsuitable for rings or bracelets subject to daily wear.
- 特性： 其 硬度顯著較低（摩氏4） ，但 透明度和玻璃光澤很高 。這種軟度使其易於雕刻，但不適合製作日常佩戴的戒指或手鐲。
- Fluorescence: The mineral gives its name to the phenomenon of fluorescence, as many specimens glow brilliantly under ultraviolet light—a spectacular display for collectors.
- 螢光： 「Fluorescence」（螢光）現象正是以該礦物命名，因為許多標本在紫外線下會發出強烈的光——對收藏家來說是一種壯觀的景象。
- Use in Art: In China, fluorite’s clarity and color have made it a popular material for intricate carvings of figures, fruits, and landscapes, prized more for artistic craftsmanship than intrinsic gem value.
- 藝術用途： 在中國，螢石的淨度和色彩使其成為 人物、瓜果和山水精細雕刻 的常用材料，其價值更在於藝術工藝而非內在的寶石價值。
- Collector’s Note: Its abundance means it remains an affordable and visually stunning collectible. Look for pieces with vivid color zoning and skilled carving.
- 收藏建議： 其儲量豐富，意味著它仍然是一種 經濟實惠且視覺效果驚人 的收藏品。可尋找那些 顏色鮮豔分區明顯、雕刻技藝精湛 的作品。
3. Jet (煤玉): Black Gold of the Victorian Era
Jet is not a mineral but a type of fossilized wood (lignite) that has undergone immense pressure. It is a dense, uniform black organic gem known for its light weight, velvety texture, and ability to take a high polish. Its history of use dates back to the Bronze Age, but it became iconic in the Victorian era for mourning jewelry.
煤玉 並非礦物，而是一種經過巨大壓力形成的 木化石（褐煤） 。它是一種緻密、均勻的黑色有機寶石，以其 重量輕、天鵝絨般質感和可高度拋光 而聞名。其使用歷史可追溯到青銅時代，但在 維多利亞時期因哀悼珠寶 而成為標誌。
- Key Identifiers: It is very light for its size and warm to the touch (unlike glass or onyx). When a hot needle is applied to an inconspicuous area, it releases a distinctive coal-like odor.
- 關鍵鑑別： 相對於其體積 非常輕 ，且 觸感溫和 （不同於玻璃或縞瑪瑙）。當熱針接觸其不顯眼處時，會散發出 獨特的煤煙氣味 。
- Historical & Cultural Context: In the West, it symbolized solemnity and grief. In China, it has been used for seals, beads, and small carvings, appreciated for its deep, somber elegance.
- 歷史與文化背景： 在西方，它象徵著莊重與哀悼。在中國，它被用於製作 印章、串珠和小件雕刻 ，因其深沉、肅穆的優雅而受欣賞。
- Modern Collecting: Genuine vintage jet jewelry from the Victorian period is highly collectible. Modern pieces are valued for fine carving and their stark, graphic black aesthetic.
- 現代收藏： 維多利亞時期的正宗古董煤玉珠寶極具收藏價值。現代作品則因 精細的雕刻及其鮮明、圖形化的黑色美學 而受重視。
Comparative Summary for Collectors
| 特徵 Feature | 岫玉 (蛇紋石玉) Xiuyan Jade | 螢石 Fluorite | 煤玉 Jet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 本質 Nature | 含水矽酸鎂礦物 Hydrous Magnesium Silicate Mineral | 氟化鈣礦物 Calcium Fluoride Mineral | 石化木材（有機質） Fossilized Wood (Organic) |
| 硬度 Hardness | 低 (2.5-4) Low | 很低 (4) Very Low | 低 (2.5-4) Low |
| 關鍵特徵 Key Traits | 蠟狀至油脂光澤；可能具磷光性；歷史悠久。 Waxy-greasy luster; can be phosphorescent; ancient history. | 豐富色彩與晶形；高透明度；具螢光性。 Vivid colors & crystals; high transparency; fluorescent. | 均勻深黑；質輕；溫感；拋光後呈樹脂光澤。 Uniform deep black; very light; warm touch; resinous polish. |
| 主要用途 Primary Use | 大型雕件、歷史複製品、首飾。 Large carvings, historical reproductions, jewelry. | 裝飾性雕刻、標本收藏、觀賞石。 Decorative carvings, specimen collection, ornamental objects. | 珠寶（尤指古董）、小雕件、印章。 Jewelry (esp. antique), small carvings, seals. |
| 收藏吸引力 Collector Appeal | 文化歷史深度，可觸及的入門級古玉材料。 Cultural-historical depth, accessible “ancient jade” material. | 視覺衝擊力與科學趣味性。 Visual spectacle & scientific interest. | 獨特的有機寶石美學，與西方歷史的連結。 Unique organic gem aesthetic, link to Western history. |
Conclusion: Appreciating Diversity in Ornamental Stones
These three materials illustrate that value in collectibles is multi-dimensional. Xiuyan Jade offers a direct connection to China’s most ancient artistic traditions. Fluorite dazzles with natural color and light play. Jet provides a sober, elegant contrast with a rich cross-cultural history.
這三種材料說明，收藏品的價值是多維度的。 岫玉 提供了與中國最古老藝術傳統的直接連接。 螢石 以其天然色彩和光學效應令人驚艷。 煤玉 則以其豐富的跨文化歷史，提供了一種莊重、優雅的對比。
For the Virtucasa collector, understanding these stones enriches the appreciation of both Eastern and Western decorative arts. Whether drawn to historical significance, visual beauty, or unique physical properties, there is a world of discovery beyond conventional jade.
對 Virtucasa 的收藏家而言，了解這些寶石能豐富對東西方裝飾藝術的鑑賞。無論是著迷於歷史意義、視覺美感還是獨特的物理特性，在常規玉石之外，還有一個廣闊的世界等待探索。
