Collectors’ Academy
Master the art of Eastern collecting from the ground up with AI Agent

Rock Crystal: Nature’s Transparent Treasure – A Complete Guide
Discover rock crystal (水晶)—from Peking Man’s tools to Qing Dynasty jewelry. Learn how this ‘frozen light’ shaped science and art across cultures. Visit VirtuCasa.

Lantian Jade: The Enigmatic Gem of Ancient China
Unravel the mystery of Lantian Jade (藍田玉)—celebrated in Han texts, lost to time, and rediscovered. Explore its marble-based truth and literary legacy at VirtuCasa.

Quartzite Jade: A Guide to Earth’s Crystalline Treasures
Discover quartzite jade—東陵石, 密玉, and more. Learn how these quartz-based gems shaped Chinese art from ancient tombs to modern jewelry. Visit VirtuCasa.

Lapis Lazuli: The Celestial Stone – A Comprehensive Guide
Discover lapis lazuli (青金石)—the ‘sky stone’ of pharaohs and emperors. Explore its Afghan origins, Qing Dynasty rituals, and modern jewelry uses. Learn more at VirtuCasa.

Malachite: The Captivating Green Gemstone – A Complete Guide
Discover malachite (孔雀石)—the ‘peacock stone’ of emperors and artisans. Explore its banded beauty, ancient carvings, and modern jewelry uses. Learn more at VirtuCasa.

Agate: Nature’s Kaleidoscope – A Complete Guide
Discover agate (瑪瑙)—nature’s banded masterpiece. Explore its colors, ancient Chinese carvings, and modern jewelry uses. Learn grading and origins at VirtuCasa.

Jadeite: The King of Jade – A Complete Guide
Discover jadeite (翡翠)—the ‘king of jade.’ Learn its grading, colors, and 18th-century rise in China. Explore Burmese mines and carving traditions at VirtuCasa.

Turquoise: A Comprehensive Guide
Discover turquoise (綠松石)—its history, properties, and grading. Learn why this gem has captivated cultures from ancient China to modern jewelry. Explore more at VirtuCasa.

Serpentine Jade: A Comprehensive Introduction
Discover the history, properties, and varieties of Serpentine jade (Xiuyan jade), a traditional Chinese gemstone. Learn about its colors, grading, and craftsmanship.

Dushan Jade: China’s Forgotten Gemstone
Meet Dushan jade: China’s rainbow-hued treasure with Neolithic roots. Learn to identify sky-blue top-grade pieces and avoid modern fakes.

Hetian Jade (Nephrite): The Imperial Gem of China
Why did emperors covet Hetian jade? Uncover its 3,000-year history, scientific traits, and modern market value—with tips to avoid fakes.

Jade Materials: From Ancient Quarries to Modern Gemology
What makes jade more precious than gold? Explore China’s legendary jade sources, modern gemology debates, and ethical collecting practices.
