Most people if asked would say that jade is green in color, this is true in part! Real jade or pure jade is pure white and is known as nephrite. This form of Jade is found in China and this is what all the ancient sculptures of the Ming dynasties and previous eras are made from. Nephrite is the strongest stone known to man its takes fifty tones to crush one square inch of nephrite, this is the reason why so many beautiful ancient sculptures are in such good condition today.


When pure white nephrite began to run out in the late 1700s Jadeite was imported from Burma this form of jade was white in color but not as strong as it is a crystallized form of jade. These pure white ancient jades where said to have mystical powers and were used in holy ceremonies by the emperors to communicate with the heavens.


Green jade is in fact an impurity in the stone, when jadeite mixes with another mineral it reacts and can produce a spectrum of colors. When mixed with iron the stone can turn green, grey, black, yellow and even blue. When the stone is invaded by Manganese it can change color to black, grey and rarely even pink. It is from these types of jade that most of the jade jewelry is made as it is very beautiful and wearable.


It’s a contradictory to note that the most pure form of Jadeite is white and this is the least valued color today. Imperial green, lavender, rare blue, yellow and red are the most sought after pieces of jadeite on the market. Collectors
of jade therefore fall into two categories those that value the pure nephrite pieces and their cotemporary counterparts that find value in the rainbow spectrum of the colored stones.


The color of the jade is very important and the pieces are valued on the slightest shades of color as it is the hue that is important when carving as to decide the quality of the jade. Green jade for example has hundreds of classifications each hue is distinctly named by the most spectacular nature inspired descriptions such as “spring onion green”, “sky after the rain” sky reflected in clear water” and “moss entangled in snow” but to name a few.


The charming portrayal of beautiful Chinese natural narratives romanticizes the stone into another realm almost. Some more descriptives that will inspire and invoke the senses are “egg yolk” sunflower and spinage, water melon and the awe inspiring “mucous of the nose” and “purple of the veins” what a sensual overload. It is this type of passion and obsession with the beauty of the gem itself that creates the atmosphere around this magical stone.


To be a true connoisseur of jade you must begin a love affair with it. Fondle it. Get to know all of its moods and nuances. You may choose to overlook some of its flaws, but you will know instantly when a piece is right for you. When that moment comes, buy it, treasure it, and enjoy. An ancient legend says that jade, the living stone, must be loved and appreciated in order to show its true beauty.”