Hetian Jade: The Soul of Chinese Nephrite
While the vibrant green of jadeite (Fei Cui) captivates many, there exists another “jade” that forms the very bedrock of Chinese culture: Hetian Jade, known mineralogically as nephrite. For over 8,000 years, this stone has been cherished not merely for adornment, but as a sacred embodiment of virtue, moral purity, and spiritual connection. Mined from the Kunlun Mountains of Xinjiang, Hetian Jade is revered for its soft, oily luster, exceptional toughness, and serene, gentle colors that feel like condensed poetry.
雖然翡翠的翠綠色澤吸引著許多人，但還有另一種「玉」構成了中國文化的基石： 和田玉 ，礦物學上稱為 軟玉 。 八千多年 來，這種玉石不僅因裝飾功能被珍視，更被視為 美德、純潔與精神聯結的神聖化身 。產自 新疆 崑崙山的和田玉，以其 溫潤的光澤、卓越的韌性以及寧靜柔和的色澤 而備受尊崇，其質感宛如凝結的詩篇。
The Essence of Hetian Jade: Science and Sensation
Chemically, nephrite is a calcium magnesium silicate with a complex, interlocking fibrous structure. This microscopic “felted” web of crystals is the secret to its legendary toughness—it is remarkably resistant to breaking, making it ideal for the intricate carvings and heirlooms passed down through millennia.
從化學成分看，軟玉是一種 鈣鎂矽酸鹽 ，具有複雜的交織纖維結構。這種微觀的「氈狀」晶體網狀結構，正是其傳奇 韌性 的秘訣——它極抗碎裂，非常適合製作流傳千年的複雜雕件和傳家寶。
- The Signature Feel: Its surface exhibits a unique greasy to waxy luster, a sensation often described as “warm” and “soft” to the touch, unlike the sharper vitreous shine of jadeite or glass.
- 標誌性觸感： 其表面呈現獨特的 油脂至蠟狀光澤 ，觸感常被形容為「溫潤」、「柔和」，有別於翡翠或玻璃那種更銳利的玻璃光澤。
- Visual Depth: Ranging from translucent to opaque, fine Hetian Jade possesses a depth and mellowness, as if light is absorbed and gently emitted from within, creating a tranquil glow.
- 視覺深度： 從 半透明到不透明 ，優質和田玉具有 深邃溫潤的質感 ，彷彿光線被吸收後又從內部柔和地散發出來，形成一種靜謐的光暈。
- Historical Pedigree: It was the primary jade used for the ritual bi discs, cong tubes, and emperor’s seals of ancient China, symbolizing heaven, earth, and imperial authority.
- 歷史淵源： 它是中國古代用於製作禮天玉璧、禮地玉琮和皇帝玉璽的主要玉材，象徵著天、地與皇權。
A Palette of Poetic Colors: The Classification of Hetian Jade
The value and character of Hetian Jade are profoundly influenced by its color, each hue carrying poetic names and cultural connotations.
和田玉的價值與特質深受其顏色的影響，每種色調都承載著富有詩意的名稱和文化內涵。
| 顏色分類 Color Type | 描述與文化意義 Description & Cultural Significance | 頂級品種與特徵 Top Tier & Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 白玉 White Jade | 純潔、道德與崇高的終極象徵。 The ultimate symbol of purity, virtue, and nobility. | 羊脂玉 (Mutton-Fat Jade): 極品。質地如凝脂，呈現純白、溫潤、油潤的光澤，半透明，結構細膩幾乎無瑕。 |
| 青玉 Green-Gray Jade | 最常見的顏色，代表穩重、堅韌與根基。 The most common color, representing steadiness, resilience, and foundation. | 從淡青色到深青黑色。價值取決於質地的純淨度與油潤度，而非色彩的鮮豔度。 |
| 碧玉 Green Jade (Jasper) | 一種富含鐵的品種，顏色從菠菜綠到鴨蛋青。 An iron-rich variety, colors range from spinach green to duck-egg blue. | 菠菜綠 (Spinach Green): 濃郁、均勻、深邃的綠色，為上品。常含有黑色磁鐵礦斑點（「玉筋」），視為天然特徵。 |
| 墨玉 Black Jade | 因石墨包裹體致色，象徵保護與莊重。 Colored by graphite inclusions, symbolizing protection and solemnity. | 聚墨： 黑色濃郁均勻。片墨/點墨： 黑白相間，可巧雕為山水畫。強光照射邊緣常透出綠色調。 |
| 黃玉 Yellow Jade | 稀有，象徵大地、尊貴與財富。 Rare, symbolizing earth, nobility, and wealth. | 栗子黃、蜜蠟黃 為上品。顏色需明快亮麗，質地細膩油潤。與黃口料（帶綠調的黃）不同。 |
| 糖玉 Brown Jade | 因次生氧化鐵沁染形成糖褐色，溫暖古樸。 Brownish hue from iron oxidation, warm and rustic. | 糖色鮮亮明快、與白玉基底分明者為佳，常用於巧雕。 |
Beyond Color: The Pillars of Value
While color is primary, three other factors crucially determine quality:
雖然顏色是首要因素，但另外三個因素也至關重要地決定著品質：
- 細度 (Fineness): The density and uniformity of the fibrous structure. Top-quality jade feels “fine, dense, and smooth,” with no granular sensation.
- 細度： 纖維結構的緻密與均勻程度。頂級玉料觸感 「細膩、緻密、潤滑」 ，無顆粒感。
- 油潤度 (Oiliness/Greasiness): The hallmark of Hetian Jade. It refers to the visual and tactile sensation of a soft, oily glow that seems to emanate from within, not just on the surface.
- 油潤度： 和田玉的標誌性特徵。指那種 視覺和觸覺上柔和油潤的光澤感 ，彷彿由內而外散發，不僅僅是表面光亮。
- 淨度 (Clarity): The absence of cracks, impurities, or russet iron spots. However, some inclusions, like the black spinel spots in green jasper, are accepted as part of its natural character.
- 淨度： 指無綹裂、雜質或髒點。然而，有些內含物，如 碧玉中的黑色磁鐵礦斑點 ，被視為其天然特徵的一部分。
A Collector’s Compass: Navigating the Modern Market
Today, the term “Hetian Jade” has a broader geographic definition but retains a quality hierarchy.
如今，「和田玉」一詞有了更廣泛的地域定義，但仍保留著品質等級。
- 產地 Origin: The most revered material still comes from the primary deposits in the Kunlun Mountains of Xinjiang. Other significant sources include Qinghai (often more translucent), Russia (noted for its green jasper), and Korea.
- 產地： 最受尊崇的原料仍來自 新疆崑崙山原生礦床 。其他重要產地包括青海（通常更透）、俄羅斯（以碧玉著稱）和韓國。
- 識別與保養 Identification & Care:
- 手感 Touch: True nephrite feels cool, heavy for its size, and smooth with a greasy sensation.
- 手感： 真玉觸感 冰涼、壓手、滑膩。
- 結構 Structure: Under a strong light or loupe, look for the characteristic fine, fuzzy, interwoven texture, unlike the granular structure of marble or the pure uniformity of glass.
- 結構： 在強光或放大鏡下，觀察特徵性的 細密氈狀、交織結構 ，這與大理石的粒狀結構或玻璃的純淨均一不同。
- 硬度 Hardness: It can scratch glass but is softer than quartz. Avoid sharp knocks.
- 硬度： 可以劃動玻璃，但比石英軟。避免猛烈撞擊。
- 保養 Care: Clean with a soft cloth. It is stable but should be protected from harsh chemicals and extreme temperature changes.
- 保養： 用軟布清潔。性質穩定，但應避免接觸強化學品和劇烈溫差。
The Enduring Legacy
To collect Hetian Jade is to connect with the soul of Chinese civilization. It is an art of appreciating subtlety over flashiness, valuing texture and tone over mere transparency. In a world of rapid change, this ancient stone reminds us of the virtues of gentleness, resilience, and enduring beauty—a true treasure for the thoughtful collector.
收藏和田玉，即是與 中華文明的靈魂 對話。這是一種欣賞含蓄而非張揚、珍視質感與韻味而非單純透明的藝術。在瞬息萬變的世界裡，這種古老的玉石提醒著我們 溫潤、堅韌與永恆之美 的品德——是深思熟慮的收藏家真正的瑰寶。
