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Jade

“Jade” is a generic term for nephrite, jadeite, and under certain conditions green omphacite. In China, a pierced jade disk is a symbol of heaven.

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History

Jade is desired for its rich heritage as much as by its beauty, durability, and rarity.

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Artistry

This 127.10-gram carving is originally from Tienjun, China

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Use of color

This carving makes use of jade’s intense green and white mottled areas.

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Hidden Beauty

Jadeite’s beauty hides under a crusty brown or yellow oxidized “skin.”

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Uncovering the Beauty

The boulder is sawn to view its inner color.

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Taking Shape

This 1041-gram jadeite boulder is sawn and marked for further cutting.

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Photos & Videos

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Photos (35) Video (2) Gallery (2)

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Color (4) Cut (1) See All Topics

Topics

Gemology (7)
Chemical Composition (6)
Color (4)
Geology (4)
History (4)
Localities (4)
Physical properties (4)
Techniques (4)
Treatment Process (3)
Identification (2)
Material properties (2)
Technology (2)
Cut (1)
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Jasper
Artist Luis Alberto Quispe Aparicio infused all of his skull carvings with personalities reflected by the names he gave them. Photos by Orasa Weldon/GIA, courtesy of Luis Alberto Quispe Aparicio.
Jade Video thumb

Jade Quality Factors
Jade animal carving

Jade Animal Carvings
Example of Jadeite's Texture
Lavendar Jadeite Cabochon
Jadeite Cabochon
Black Jadeite Cabochon
Range of Jadeite’s Transparency
Jade table screen.
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All photos remain under the ©Gemological Institute of America copyright and may only be used with permission. More Copyright Information
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