Green stone, also known as jade or jadeite, has been prized for thousands of years as a rare and beautiful ornamental stone. But just how rare is jade, and what makes it so valuable? In this in-depth article, we’ll examine the science, history and lore behind this enigmatic gemstone.
What is Jade?
Jade refers to two different metamorphic rocks: nephrite and jadeite. Both are composed of dense, tough minerals and can range from pale green to deep emerald green or even white in color. The name ‘jade’ comes from the Spanish term ‘piedra de ijada’ which means ‘stone of the side’. This refers to the belief that jade could cure ailments of the kidneys and spleen when worn against the body.
Nephrite jade consists of the calcium and magnesium-rich amphibole mineral actinolite. It was used extensively for tools and weapons in Neolithic China due to its toughness. Jadeite is made of the sodium and aluminum-rich pyroxene jadeite. It was the preferred material for jade artwork and jewelry in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica and has historically been more rare and valuable than nephrite.
Where is Jade Found?
While nephrite jade can be found in deposits around the world, the occurrence of jadeite is much more limited. Major sources of jadeite include:
- Myanmar (Burma) – The most significant source of high-quality jadeite. Myanmar produces a vivid green ‘imperial jade’ that is highly prized.
- Guatemala – An important source of jadeite for the pre-Columbian Mayan and Aztec civilizations.
- Japan – Produces a white jade called ‘mutton fat jade’ as well as green jadeite.
- Canada – Sources nephrite jade along the coasts of British Columbia.
- New Zealand – Home to major deposits of nephrite jade called ‘pounamu’ which plays a role in Maori culture.
- United States – Wyoming, Alaska and California have small deposits of nephrite jade.
While jadeite can occasionally be found in small deposits around the world, large gem-quality crystals are exceptionally scarce.
Properties of Jade
Both jadeite and nephrite possess exceptional toughness and durability, making them ideal for carving and jewelry. However, jadeite is rarer and considered more precious due to its vivid green colors, translucency and smooth, glossy appearance. Some key properties of jadeite include:
- Toughness – Its tightly intergrown crystals are difficult to break, carve or shape.
- Luster – Highly desired waxy to vitreous luster.
- Color – Varies from white to deep green with intense, even shades most valued.
- Translucency – Transmits light but scatters it, giving a soft glow.
- Refractive index – Ranges from 1.652 to 1.688, in line with precious gems like rubies.
- Density – Relatively high density of 3.25 to 3.40 g/cm3.
- Durability – Extremely durable with Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7.0.
These exceptional physical and optical properties make jadeite a desirable gemstone that commands high prices, especially for large, unblemished stones with rich green color.
Grading Jade Quality
Jade is graded based on factors like color, texture, transparency and carving quality. Some important criteria include:
- Color – Vivid green is most prized, with imperial jade from Myanmar the pinnacle. Even, intense color is best.
- Transparency – Translucent jade with some light scattering is best. Opaque jade is less valued.
- Texture – Fine, smooth, even texture is ideal. Blemishes lower the value.
- Carat – Larger unblemished stones are more rare and valuable.
- Workmanship – Precise, skilled carving raises the value substantially.
These factors can mean the difference between polished jade selling for tens of dollars per carat versus hundreds or even thousands of dollars per carat for top imperial jade.
The Allure and History of Jade
The allure of jade spans numerous cultures across thousands of years. Some key facts about its fascinating history include:
- Neolithic Chinese revered jade’s toughness, carving tools, weapons and ornaments from nephrite jade.
- Jade was more valuable than gold among Mayan and Aztec civilizations, associated with power and spirituality.
- During Europe’s Renaissance, jade was thought to cure ailments and bring good fortune.
- The British East India Company traded enormous quantities of jade from China back to Europe in the 1800s.
- Prominent art styles for jade carving include Olmec, Mayan, Aztec, Chinese and Māori designs.
Jade remains closely tied to Asian art and culture, playing a prominent role in Chinese, Māori, Korean, Japanese and southeast Asian traditions. It is considered a stone of protection, harmony and balance. The intrinsic appeal, deep color symbolism and cultural allure help make jade one of the world’s most coveted gemstones.
Rarity and Value of Jade
Both jadeite and nephrite are considered precious stones, but jadeite is by far the rarer and more valuable form. Its value stems from:
- Scarcity – Deposits of gem-quality jadeite are very limited worldwide.
- Appearance – Vivid green color and translucency is highly desirable.
- Durability – Its extreme toughness allows intricate carvings.
- Cultural significance – Long history of ceremonial and spiritual meaning.
Jadeite can sell for over $3000 per carat for fine imperial jade. The most expensive jadeite jewelry and carvings have sold for over $10 million at auction. Even small high-grade jadeite stones can command prices in the thousands per carat. Nephrite is far more common and sells for $50-200 per carat in general.
Unfortunately, the high value of jade also makes it prone to fakes and synthetics. Dying, polymer impregnation and composite stone fabrication can mimic the look of fine jadeite. Reputable grading reports are essential for verifying valuable jadeite jewelry.
Global Jade Production
Myanmar remains the world’s primary source of jadeite, with 2014 production estimated at $31 billion USD, though down from a high of $44 billion in 2013. The country produces up to 70% of the global supply but keeps official figures private. Other major producers include:
| Country | Estimated Annual Production Value |
|---|---|
| China | $8 billion |
| Canada | $16 million |
| United States | $4 million |
| Russia | $2.5 million |
| Guatemala | $2 million |
| Japan | $1 million |
| Kazakhstan | $1 million |
However, much of the jade produced worldwide is lower quality material for industrial uses. Global trade in carved ornamental jadeite is estimated at around $8 billion per year. Myanmar, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan account for the bulk of this high-end jade market.
Factors Influencing Jade Prices
Several complex factors influence the fluctuating market price of jade:
- Mining Regulations – Myanmar’s jade regulation affects global supply and prices.
- Consumer Demand – Chinese appetite for jade fluctuates based on economic trends.
- Material Quality – Whiter and more lavender jade dropping in popularity.
- Global Events – The 2014 crash in jade prices in Myanmar coincided with China’s stock market crash.
- Trade Networks – Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China are key hubs connecting Myanmar supply with Chinese demand.
In addition, the perceived investment potential of high-end jade continues to drive speculative pricing bubbles. For instance, the rising interest in jade among Chinese investors helped fuel a speculative bubble in Myanmar jade prices between 2009 and 2014, followed by a crash from $44 billion to $31 billion in production value.
Conclusion
Jade remains one of the world’s most mystical and intriguing gemstones, cloaked in legend, culture and allure. The extreme rarity of fine jadeite in vivid green makes it amongst the most precious of ornamental stones. While common green rocks are often mistaken for or fraudulently sold as jade, true high-quality jadeite is a rare treasure that continues to fascinate jewellers, collectors, designers and gemologists to this day.