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Imperial Jadeite
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Nephrite Beads
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Jadeite
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Nephrite Carvings
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The term "Jade" refers to two different gem
materials which share very similar physical properties but have entirely
different chemical compositions. Both Jadeite and Nephrite are exceptionally
tough and durable which originally made them very suitable for farming tools
and weapons and currently make them desireable for carvings and jewellery.
Early civilizations, particularily in China, did not distinguish between the
two materials and called them both "Jade".
We carry both Jadeite and Nephrite Jade in
cabochons, beads, carved pendants and free standing carvings.
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JADEITE TECHNICAL DATA
NEPHRITE JADE TECHNICAL DATA
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Species--------------------------------Nephrite
Jade
Chemical
Formula-------CaMg5(OH)2(Si4O11)2
Birthstone
--------------------------------------August
Anniversary
Stone-----------------------------Twelth
*Mohs Scale
Hardness---------------------#6-6.5
Durability-----------------------------------Very
Good
*Refractive
Index-----------------------1.606-1.632
*Specific
Gravity-------------------------------2.95+/-
Significance
of these* data (FAQ #5)
Nephrite
Jade Price Tables
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JADEITE AND NEPHRITE JADE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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Color
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The color of Jadeite can be white, cream, sand,
lavender or range from light to medium to rich emerald green (Imperial Jade).
Nephrite ranges from white through pale green to medium and dark green to
black. Both Jades vary from transluscent to opaque, the translucent being the
most "lively".
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Sources
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Burma is the principal source of Jadeite with
minor locations in Guatemala and California. Presently British Columbia is the
principal source for fine Nephrite Jade. Other locations are Alaska, Siberia
and New Zealand. Historically China had been the largest producer and user of
Nephrite Jade until the 18th Century when they became aware of the much finer
Jade i.e. Jadeite from Burma.
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Treatment
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Some colorless material is dyed to produce either
a rich green or a lavender color. The few pieces in our stock that are dyed
are so noted.
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Care
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Jade is a tough material and not subject to
breakage. Because the hardness is slightly under 7 (the hardness of quartz) it
should be cleaned carefully and stored separately in it's own cloth bag.
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Lore
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Both in China and Central America ancient burials
often included Jade in the belief that it would preserve the body for the
afterlife.
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Uses
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Jade is durable enough for all types mens' and
ladies' jewelry. It's toughness also allows it to be fashioned into intricate,
fine carvings.
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Value
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The value of Jade depends on it's color,
translucency and evenness of color. Most valued are the fine, transluscent
emerald or Imperial green Jadeite. Lavender Jadeite is also highly valued.
Nephrite, although much lower priced, is valued most if it is transluscent and
even colored.
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