Serpentine Jade: A Comprehensive Introduction

How to identify real vs. fake Serpentine jade?

Serpentine jade, known as “Xiuyan Jade” (岫岩玉) in Chinese, is a general term for serpentinite-based jade in China. Broadly speaking, Xiuyan jade includes varieties such as Liaoning Xiuyan jade, Guangdong Southern Xiuyan jade, Yunnan Huili jade, Xinjiang Kunlun jade, and Beijing Shisanling jade. In the narrow sense, it specifically refers to the serpentine jade produced in Xiuyan County, Liaoning Province.

Historical Significance

Serpentine jade holds the distinction of being the earliest and longest-used traditional jade material in Chinese history. Archaeological discoveries, such as jade artifacts unearthed from the Xiaogushan Paleolithic cave site in Haicheng City, confirm its use as far back as the late Paleolithic era. Notable relics, including the “Jade Dragon” from the Hongshan Culture and the jade burial suits of the Han Dynasty (e.g., the gold-threaded jade suit of King Liu Sheng and his wife), were crafted from Xiuyan jade. Ancient mining sites in Xiuyan further attest to its long-standing exploitation.

The famous “luminous cup” (夜光杯) mentioned in the Tang Dynasty poet Wang Han’s Liangzhou Ci—“With wine of grapes the cups of jade would glow at night”—was made from dark green serpentine jade sourced from the Qilian Mountains in Gansu.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Serpentine jade is composed of micro-fibrous aggregates of serpentine minerals, a magnesium-rich hydrous silicate with the chemical formula Mg₆(Si₄O₁₀)(OH)₈. It often contains impurities such as magnetite, talc, and chlorite.

Texture: Fine and smooth to the touch, with a waxy luster.
Hardness: 2.5–6 on the Mohs scale.
Density: 2.44–2.80 g/cm³.
Transparency: Semi-translucent to slightly translucent.
Refractive Index: 1.55–1.57.

Colors and Varieties

Serpentine jade exhibits a wide range of colors, including green, yellow, white, black, and variegated hues. Key regional varieties include:

Xiuyan Jade (Liaoning): Light green, occasionally red or brown; fine texture, semi-translucent.
Southern Jade (Guangdong): Yellow-green, coarse texture, opaque.
Qilian Jade (Gansu): Dark green or black with streaks; semi-translucent.
Kunlun Jade (Xinjiang): Dark green, yellow-green, or gray; texture similar to Xiuyan jade.
Taiwan Jade: Grass-green with black speckles; semi-translucent and highly prized.
Korean Jade (“Goryeo Jade”): Vibrant yellow-green, high transparency, and fine texture.

Grading Standards

Xiuyan jade is graded based on color uniformity, purity, and size:

Premium: Green or yellow-green, semi-translucent, minimal flaws, >50 kg.
Grade 1: Green hues, minor flaws, >10 kg.
Grade 2: Green, no cracks, slight impurities, >5 kg.
Grade 3: Good color, slightly translucent, >2 kg.

Global Occurrence

Serpentine jade is found worldwide, typically in serpentinized peridotite or metamorphic dolomite formations. Notable international varieties include:

Bowen Jade (New Zealand)
William Jade (Pennsylvania, USA)
Goryeo Jade (Korea)

Craftsmanship

Due to its large block size, moderate hardness, and toughness, Xiuyan jade is ideal for carving large sculptures (e.g., figures, landscapes, vessels) as well as smaller items like seals, jewelry, and decorative ornaments.

How to identify real vs. fake Serpentine jade? Read More about Jade Crafting Techniques

Serpentine Jade: A Comprehensive Introduction