Green Jade

JADEITE JADE- The variety of jadeite pyroxene used as a gem or ornamental material consists of microcrystalline aggregates which, together with similar aggregates of tremolite-actinolite amphibole, come under the general name of jade. For reasons of clarity, we shall therefore be using the term jadeite jade, rather than either jadeite or jade alone.

Jadeite jade is a semi-opaque to highly translucent aggregate of juxtaposed, very firmly interconnected granular crystals. Only in rare instances are there visibly elongated crystals, in fibrous radiating or parallel groups. The general impression is not so much of individual crystals as of a mass with a fairly finely interwoven network of numerous, minute discontinuities. These are the boundaries between one crystal and another or the cleavage surfaces inside some of the crystals. The principle characteristic of jadeite jade is extreme tenacity and toughness. On the surfaces of antique pieces in particular, one can see a similar network of small discontinuities, which keep the pieces from having a perfect polish. On modern pieces polished with diamond powder, this network is much less visible. Many different shades of green are possible, the most valuable being emerald green. Jadeite jade of this color is quiet translucent and is called imperial jade. Other shades of light and bright green are also very lively and attractive. Dark green is less common. The most frequent color is semi-transparent to nearly opaque white, or off-white to very pale hazel; others are red, yellow, light and often grayish blue, gray, pink, and pale lilac. The brightest colors generally occur only in zones or in blurred, fringed streaks within the block. Pebbles recovered from alluvium often have an outer layer of a brown color because of oxidation that fades away on the inside. It is used as a gem, cut into cabochons or in engraved stones for settings, beads, other ornaments, especially when the background color or limited patches of color are in attractive shade. Last but not least, jadeite jade, like nephrite jade, is made into exclusive types of decorated wear or small sculptures. Because of its tenacity, which is almost equal to that of metals, generations of craftsmen in the Far East have used it to producing tours de force, such as chains with unjointed, individual links made from a single piece of stone, thin-walled vases generally with loose links on the handles and lids, cutting weapons, cups with engraved decorations, buckles, and other finely pierced objects. Its other distinctive feature, the presence of patches and streaks of bright color inside and outside the uncut stones, has been skillfully manipulated into wonderful multi-colored pieces.

Most jadeite jade used in Chinese art since the latter half of the eighteenth century and most of that used today comes from northern Burma. It has also been found in Japan, the United States (California), and Guatemala, and only rarely in a few other places. It is, therefore, much less common and more localized than nephrite jade. Some whitish pale-green or green aventurine, also granular structure, is occasionally used as a substitute for jadeite jade and known as Indian jade, though it tacks the exceptional mechanical and chromatic properties of true jade. Synthetic jadeite does not exist. A problem that has arisen recently over jadeite is that of coloration. Because of the minute discontinuities present in the mass, it is easily impregnates with artificial dyes, to pleasing effect. In this way, for example, white jadeite can be made look like the much more highly prized imperial jade; and the other colors are also the often imitated in this way. Once can usually distinguish cases in which the color, rather than being contained in individual crystals, is distributed in the minute fractures and cleavages of the mass but a microscope is needed for this.

This pendant is already sold. However, I have alot of jade in many diffrent shapes available for sale.

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