Jadeite: The King of Jade – A Complete Guide

Best jadeite carving techniques for beginners

Introduction

Jadeite, known as “翡翠” (Fěicuì) in Chinese, is one of the most revered gemstones in East Asian culture. Its name originates from the vibrant plumage of the fei (翡, red-feathered bird) and cui (翠, green-feathered bird), symbolizing its dazzling colors. While references to “jadeite” appear in Han Dynasty texts like Xī Dū Fù (《西都賦》), historical evidence suggests that Burmese jadeite only became prominent in China during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912).

Physical and Chemical Properties

Jadeite is a sodium-aluminum silicate mineral with the formula NaAl(Si₂O₆). Key characteristics:

Hardness: 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale (harder than nephrite).
Density: 3.30–3.38 g/cm³.
Luster: Vitreous to pearly.
Structure: Fibrous or granular aggregates, often with visible “interlocking” crystals.
Transparency: Semi-transparent to opaque; high-quality “glass-like” jadeite is prized.

Quality Grading: Color, Texture, and Transparency

Jadeite’s value depends on three factors:

1. Texture (“地子” Dìzi)

Glass Ground (玻璃地):
Finest quality; near-transparent with minimal impurities.
“Water head” (水頭) measures transparency: 2mm thickness = “two-point water” (highly translucent).
Oily Ground (油青地):
Bluish-green;细腻 but darker tones. Common in older mines (“Old Mine Jade”).
Eggwhite Ground (蛋清地):
Pale green; slightly cloudy transparency.
Lotus Root Ground (藕粉地):
Lavender hues; rare and sought-after.

2. Color Varieties

Imperial Green (寶石綠): Vivid emerald-green (most valuable).
Spinach Green (菠菜綠): Deep green with blue undertones.
Lavender (紫羅蘭): Purple-pink hues.
Red/Yellow (翡色): Caused by iron oxidation.

3. Commercial Grades

Grade A (Natural, Untreated): No dyes or polymers.
Grade B (Bleached + Resin): Enhanced clarity but less durable.
Grade C (Dyed): Artificially colored; lowest value.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Qing Dynasty: Jadeite became a symbol of imperial power. The Dowager Empress Cixi famously adored it.
Archaeology: Earliest Chinese jadeite artifacts date to the 18th century (e.g., jadeite thumb rings from Anhui tombs).
Modern Use: A staple in high-end jewelry (e.g., mutton-fat jadeite bangles) and carvings.

Global Sources

Myanmar (Burma): 90% of world’s high-quality jadeite (e.g., Mogok Valley mines).
Others: Kazakhstan (low-grade), Japan (rare), Guatemala (blue “Olive Jade”).

Craftsmanship and Design

Jadeite carving follows strict principles:

Highlighting Green: Designers isolate vibrant “imperial green” patches for pendants or rings.
Color-Driven Shapes: Lavender jadeite suits floral motifs; mottled “moss-in-snow” jadeite inspires landscape carvings.
Traditional Motifs: Buddha figurines, ruyi scepters, and doucai (豆彩) inlay work.

Why Jadeite?

Durability: Harder than nephrite, ideal for heirlooms.
Aesthetic Range: From translucent “ice jade” to opaque “moss jade.”
Cultural Weight: Embodies Confucian virtues (wisdom, compassion).

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Jadeite: The King of Jade – A Complete Guide