Jade has had significant reverence and cultural importance reportedly used as early as 2000 B.C. Jade artefacts have been found in Australia, Europe, Asia, North and Central America.
There is consistent historical use. So why are we so confused by it? I think there are two reasons. One, it wasn’t until 1863 that it was determined there are two different mineral types: jadeite and nephrite. Second, there are several imposters and imitations of jade.
The differences between jadeite and nephrite:
Nephrite:
The hardness score is 6-6.5 compared to jadeite it can be prone to scratches. However, it’s reported to be the strongest natural material on earth. (Geoscience Australia). Its ancient uses were for weaponry. In fact, China primarily utilized nephrite jade for both functional and artistic usages up until the 1750s-1780s when the jadeite mining opened in Myanmar (previously Burma). The colors come in white, yellow, green, and brown to black. Presence of iron is the primary driver for its color appearance. It has been reported looking to look less bright and slightly waxier in appearance compared to jadeite.
Jadeite:
The hardness score is 6.5-7 and relative to nephrite is not as prone to scratches. It is not as strong compared to nephrite as its construction has fewer interlocking fibers. It is rarer in occurrence compared to nephrite due to needing to form with higher pressure.
Jadeite colors come in green, pink, purple, brown, and white. The most prized jadeite color is called “imperial green” which is a bright green color. It is said that one should be able to read through text through excellent jadeite, proving its translucence. The color has been reported to be equal to or better than emeralds.
Imposters
There are several of them! Basalt with amphibolite, serpentinite, chlorite, quartz, chrysoprase, and aventurine.
Ultimately, one must never guess or try to test at home if you have jade and whether its nephrite or jadeite. As always, see your trusted gemmologist or you can use my recommendations: J.S. English Appraisals and Oregon Estate Jewelry.
Jade Treatments
There are four reported classifications of jade:
Type A – untreated, natural jade. As of recent years, it is also common practice to see jade with a wax surface appearance. Due to its superficial treatment it is accepted in this category.
Type B- reported by GIA right around the 1990s, jade started to undergo a bleach and polymer impregnation to improve its uniformity. This can be reviewed by a gemmologist to see if there are obvious signs. However, with any type of definitive status this needs to be sent to a spectroscopy test which GIA will perform.
Type C – dyed jade
Type D – a jade on top of a composite backing
Care and Clean Jade
If you have Type A jade, then it is completely safe and encouraged to just clean like all of your jewelry. It can be cleaned with soap, water, and a soft toothbrush. If you have jade that has been treated, then it is recommended that you avoid submersion and you perform spot cleaning only.
Is Jade Right for You?
If cultural representation is important to you, then this would be the right choice. Also, if you are sensitive to energy, this could be of interest. I can’t explain it but when I handle jade there is some sort of reassuring feeling to it. I also encourage this for people who prefer natural colors. Sometimes jade is not pure green or purple as an example, there’s white veins or a background throughout. I find this interesting and more consistent with its natural presence.
There’s also been some strange phenomena reported with jade as an energy absorber. Car accidents (could be a myth!) reported where the passengers have been left unscathed while the jade breaks – a symbolism that it has absorbed the energy. People have also reported if they are sad that their jade looks dull. If they are happy the jade is full of luster and brightness. Personally, I have one antique jadeite jade ring. Before I purchased, it was locked away in a lock box for several years. Despite the time, when I received it I was shock to smell the perfume of its former owner. I’ve had it for a few months now and the smell has finally dissipated, assuming its recognizing me as its new owner.
References
Australian Government, Geoscience Australia. (2023, September). https://www.ga.gov.au/education/minerals-energy/australian-mineral-facts/jade#:~:text=It%20wasn't%20until%201863,producing%20fine%20ornaments%20and%20carvings.
Lyons, Elizabeth. (1978). Chinese Jades. The Role of Jade in Ancient China: An Introduction to a Special Exhibition at the University Museum https://www.penn.museum/sites/expedition/chinese-jades/#:~:text=The%20first%20jade%20objects%20of,this%20intractable%20material%20is%20unsurpassed.
Fritsch, E., Wu, S.-T. T., Moses, T., McClure, S. F., & Moon, M. (1992). Identification of bleached and polymer-impregnated jadeite. https://www.gia.edu/doc/Identification-of-Bleached-and-Polymer-Impregnated-Jadeite.pdf