The facts
What jadeite actually is
Mineralogically, jadeite is jadeite pyroxene — NaAlSi₂O₆, crystallising in the monoclinic system.
The colour is caused by chromium for imperial green, iron for apple green. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.652–1.688, and the specific gravity sits near 3.30–3.38; cleavage is none (tough, interlocking texture).
Where jadeite comes from
The recognised sources are Hpakant, Kachin, Myanmar — the only significant source of gem jadeite, Guatemala and Russia.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How jadeite is treated
The A/B/C grading is about treatment: A untreated, B bleached and polymer-impregnated, C dyed. This is the single most important disclosure in jade.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What jadeite is confused with
The usual confusions are Nephrite, Serpentine, Dyed quartzite and Glass.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.652–1.688 and specific gravity 3.30–3.38 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What jadeite is used for
Jadeite is bought by jewellery, carving and sculpture, mineral collecting and decorative objects — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the carat, by the block or by the specimen.
Durability and care
Jadeite is 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale, with none (tough, interlocking texture) cleavage.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What jadeite costs
Indicative pricing for jadeite is $10–1,000,000/piece.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is jadeite treated, and how?
The A/B/C grading is about treatment: A untreated, B bleached and polymer-impregnated, C dyed. This is the single most important disclosure in jade.
Where does jadeite come from?
Hpakant, Kachin, Myanmar — the only significant source of gem jadeite, Guatemala and Russia. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is jadeite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does jadeite cost?
Indicatively $10–1,000,000/piece. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is jadeite confused with?
Most often Nephrite, Serpentine, Dyed quartzite and Glass. A refractive index of 1.652–1.688 and a specific gravity near 3.30–3.38 separate it quickly.
What is jadeite used for besides jewellery?
carving and sculpture, mineral collecting and decorative objects. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for jadeite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about jadeite