One of the crucial factors in evaluating jade quality is its color. Most jades are available in different shades of green, but other colors are available too. Generally, dark green jade is most valuable and preferred by people due to its semi-transparency and vivid color quality.
For jadeite, the intensity of the green color, combined with a high degree of translucency are the key factors in judging value. Stones which are too dark in color or not so translucent are less highly valued.
Jadeite comes in a wide range of colors. The most valuable is an intense green called Imperial.
Rich green jadeite, known as “imperial jade,” is also the most highly valued. However, durable jadeite can be found in many colors and is well-suited for both intricate carvings and cabochons.
How much is black jade worth. Black jade has a very big price range since the quality tends to vary widely. You can expect to pay between $1 and $100 per carat.
Jadeite from Burma is the most expensive Jade you can find. This level of quality jadeite is almost transparent but with a vibrant, emerald green color. It is this gemstone that is colloquially referred to as Imperial Jade.
The most sought after the colour of Jadeite is called the Imperial Green which is an Emerald like vivid green colour. It's closely followed by Lavender Jade which has a purplish blue hue.
“My favorite is the variety known as Imperial jade, which is a deep emerald green,” she continues. “The best representation of imperial jade comes in a bright green with an even translucent quality that's extremely rare and highly covetable.”
The stone itself is typically of a green hue, but variations of it can range anywhere from a pale green/brown to near black. The color name "Jade" itself can refer to several shades of green.
Type A Jadeite – Natural form
Type A natural jadeite means that the subject qualifies to be free of any form of chemical treatment. As part of the polishing process, coating the jadeite with colorless wax is accepted so long as it does not damage the crystalline structure of the subject.
If the color is dull or flat, it's likely a fake stone. Jade can sometimes be totally opaque, but the opaque stones aren't very valuable. If it looks like there are air bubbles in the stone, then it's likely not real.
The mineral stone comes in various colors, displaying shades from pale green to deep black, and even white or yellowish gray. However, the green varieties of this stone are the most popular.
However, this is truly only just a myth! The intensity of the colour of Jade will only change due to dirt or grease that can sometimes get trapped on the surface, or if the Jade piece has undergone colour treatment, gradually fading to its original state as time passes.
Materials often mistaken for jade include chrysoprase, maw sit sit, serpentine, hydrogrossular garnet and aventurine. This is due to these gemstones boasting the same deep green colour that jade is most famous for, though each have subtle differences that allow you to identify their true nature.
The term 'jade' is actually a catch-all term that encompasses two separate minerals: nephrite, which is more opaque and traditionally used for sculptural objects and ornaments; and jadeite, which is more translucent and can be polished to a high lustre, making it more suitable for jewellery.
Does jade change color over time? There are traditional believes that jade can turn color when it has been in contact with skin for a period of time. The theory is that with the wearer's body warmth and oils, the more intense patches of color in the jade stone may even out.
Green Jade: The Most Iconic Jade Color
The most valuable green jade, also known as “imperial jade,” exhibits a vibrant emerald hue. Green jade is often associated with luck, abundance, and prosperity, as well as emotional and spiritual benefits such as wisdom, balance, and calm.
Color, obviously, still factors into the price of a jade piece and as mentioned, the most desirable shade of jade is that imperial hue that's a rich, emerald tone. If you find a piece of imperial jade, with no additional coloring, you'll also find a price tag that can stretch into the millions of dollars.
There are two main types of jade: Jadeite and Nephrite. Jadeite is the rarer and more valuable of the two and comes in a range of colors, including green, lavender, yellow, and white. Nephrite jade is found in shades of green, brown, and white.
Treated jade can be broken down to two different grades. The Grade B, Grade C. Grade A, being the natural, untreated jadeite. Grade A Jadeite---These are the untreated, natural jadeite that are believed to bring good luck to the person who possesses the gem.
A valuable and highly sought-after type of pounamu, New Zealand Flower Jade is prized for its beautiful and distinctive golden-yellow-orange patterns unique to Aotearoa. It is also known as putiputi pounamu, with putiputi meaning "flower" in Māori.
Black jade is a rare gemstone that is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Its scarcity can be attributed to the fact that it is only found in certain parts of the world. Plus, black jade requires specific geological conditions to form, which further limits its availability.