Jadeite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

In this article, you'll learn:

• How to identify high-quality jadeite and differentiate it from other jade varieties
• What determines the value of jadeite jewelry and carvings
• The unique properties that make jadeite stones perfect for rings and other jewelry
• How to care for your jadeite gemstone pieces and maintain their beauty and value

What is Jadeite Stone?

Jadeite belongs to the pyroxene mineral group and typically forms as a sodium-aluminum silicate rock with a polycrystalline structure. While pure crystalline formation is possible, it occurs very rarely.

This vug of massive jadeite also contains rare crystallized, light-green jadeites about 0.8 cm long. Russian River, Mendocino Co. California, USA. © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Used with permission.

Jadeite vs Jade: Understanding the Difference

The term "jade" encompasses two distinct minerals: jadeite and nephrite. Although similar, these materials possess distinct properties that affect their value and use.

Both have served humanity for millennia across diverse cultures as:

• Tools for everyday use
• Sacred objects for ceremonial purposes
• Jewelry pieces and personal adornments

Chinese artisans have utilized nephrite since Neolithic times, with evidence suggesting carved nephrite bangles existed as far back as 4,000 years ago. Ancient Mesoamerican civilizations including the Olmecs, Maya, and Aztecs also crafted ceremonial objects and jewelry from jadeite.

These materials transcended their physical value in both Chinese and Mesomamerican cultures, becoming symbolic of their highest virtues. The Aztecs characterized eloquence as "a scattering of jades." Similarly, the Chinese philosopher Confucius (551-479 BCE) likened jade to the qualities of an esteemed gentleman.

However, these ancient cultures never grouped these materials together as "jade." This categorization developed much later through complex historical circumstances.

The Origin of "Jade" Terminology

Both jadeites and nephrites occur naturally in Europe. In a 2017 study, researchers documented  evidence of jadeite axe heads being traded across Europe from Italian sources during Neolithic periods. However, as Giancarlo Sette writes, European knowledge and use of both materials disappeared over time until the Spaniards arrived in the Americas during the 16th century.

After reviewing Spanish writings related to their conquests in the Americas, Sette notes the following developments over the course of the 16th century:

• Initially, the Spaniards referred to green gemstones from the Americas as "emeralds," regardless of their transparency. At this time, the Spaniards were not yet familiar with high-quality, transparent Colombian emeralds.
• Gradually, Spanish writers started to record indigenous terms for various green gemstones and their uses. In particular, Fray Bernardino de Sahagún noted that the Aztecs grated a green stone, xiuhtomoltetl, mixed it with cold water, and drank it to relieve heartache and inflammation.
• The Spaniards began to refer to certain green stones from the Americas as piedras de yjada or "stones of the sides" because supposedly the Aztecs believed they had the ability to cure kidney ailments. (Whether this was actually an Aztec belief is not certain).
• These piedras de yjada were most likely what we now call jadeite.
• Yjada or jada became the origin of the word "jade" in English and in other European languages.

How Jadeite and Nephrite Became Known as Jade

For thousands of years, Chinese artisans worked with nephrite to create utilitarian objects, artistic pieces, and jewelry. Much of the traditional Chinese folklore and symbolism associated with jade originated specifically with nephrite. However, in the mid-18th century, a new green gemstone from neighboring Burma (now Myanmar) entered Chinese markets and quickly gained immense popularity. This material was jadeite.

Gemologist Jill Hobbs notes that the Chinese distinguished these materials with separate terms: nephrite was called yu, while Burmese jadeite was known as fei-ts'ui. However, European merchants trading with China during this period grouped both materials under the now-commonplace umbrella term "jade" due to their apparent similarities.

It wasn't until 1863 that the French mineralogist Alexis Damour distinguished jade as two distinct minerals — jadeite and nephrite. Interestingly, the term "jadeite" was coined after the already established collective term "jade."

Today, the term "jade" remains widely used both commercially and colloquially. However, gemologists and serious collectors should always differentiate between nephrite jade and jadeite jade for accuracy.

Why Jadeite Makes an Excellent Jewelry Stone

Jadeite pieces are very tough and exceptionally durable for jewelry use. Although nephrite has more resistance to breaking, jadeite typically possesses a higher Mohs hardness rating that effectively resists scratching from household dust, the most common jewelry hazard.

Both materials offer excellent wearability, but jadeite proves somewhat superior for jewelry, especially ring use, due to its greater hardness. This makes rings made of this stone particularly desirable for everyday wear.

What Determines Jadeite Gemstone Value?

"Imperial jade," jadeite with deep green color from Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), is very rare and expensive, and its translucency is highly prized. This variety commands the highest prices on the market.

Though green varieties are most coveted, this durable gemstone appears in numerous colors and is well-suited for numerous uses ranging from intricate carvings to smooth cabochons.

The value of a jadeite carving depends on numerous factors:

• Artistic craftsmanship and historical significance
• Color quality and material properties
• Origin and authenticity

Jadeite is a highly specialized gemstone category with complex value parameters. In the United States, its appeal is predominantly collector-driven. Historically and currently, China remains the strongest market for this gemstone.

For detailed guidance on evaluating jadeite quality, consult our jade buying guide.

Current Sanctions Against Burmese Jadeite

Although the United States lifted the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE (Junta's Anti-Democratic Efforts) Act of 2008 in 2016, new restrictions were implemented in April 2021. These new US sanctions specifically targeted the Myanmar Gems Enterprise (MGE), a state-owned entity operating under the Ministry of Mines that controls all gemstone mining, distribution, and marketing activities in Myanmar.

These sanctions apply to pieces imported from Myanmar after April 2021, affecting availability and legal compliance requirements for this material.

Jadeite Color Varieties

Although green remains the most popular color with consumers, jadeites do occur naturally in many colors. Other popular color variations include:

• Apple green
• Lavender or mauve
• Blue (a rare color once favored by the ancient Mayans)

Green boulders sometimes develop brown exterior skins due to natural weathering processes. Lapidaries often use these boulders for carvings, incorporating these variations to create attractive mottled color patterns.

For comprehensive information about color variations and terminology, consult our guide to jade color trade names.

Jadeite Gem Materials and Varieties

Jadeites can also occur in combination with other pyroxene group minerals as solid solutions. However, since their jadeite content can vary, not all such blends qualify as varieties.

Maw Sit Sit: Rare Green Gem Rock

Maw sit sit is a distinctive lapidary rock found exclusively near its namesake Myanmar village. It exhibits a striking dark green coloration with black spots and green veining. Typical specimens contain approximately 15% jadeite combined with kosmochlor (sometimes called ureyite), albite feldspar, and various other minerals.

Omphacite: Jadeite-Related Material

Omphacite may contain jadeite, augite, and aegirine.

Jadeitite: Nearly Pure Jadeite Stone

Stone composed almost entirely of jadeite mineral content is classified as jadeitite.

Chloromelanite

An opaque dark green to black jadeite variety, chloromelanite seldom appears in jewelry. However, lapidaries occasionally carve it into decorative objects.

Turkish Purple Jade: Regional Specialty

A distinctive purplish jadeite/quartz gem rock occurs exclusively in Bursa, Turkey. The composition of this unique material can vary from 40% to 60% jadeite.

Key Identifying Characteristics of Jadeite

Jadeite has a distinctive absorption spectrum that proves invaluable for identification purposes. It displays a strong line at 4375 and weak bands at 4500 and 4330. While the 4375 line is diagnostic, it may not appear in rich, deep green material, which instead exhibits a chromium spectrum characterized by a strong line at 6915 and weak lines at 6550 and 6300.

Are There Synthetic Jadeites Available?

General Electric (GE) has successfully synthesized jadeite under laboratory conditions. In the 1980s, the first results had refractive index, specific gravity, absorption spectra, and fluorescence properties similar to natural stones but also greater hardness (up to 8 on the Mohs scale) along with noticeable color and texture differences.

Researchers produced several color variations, though the green material initially fell short of gem quality. However, in 2002, GE achieved a breakthrough by synthesizing green material rivaling "imperial jade" quality. These synthetics closely resembled natural jadeites except for differences in their visible light and infrared absorption spectra.

To date, General Electric has not commercially released synthetic jadeites.

Common Jadeite Imitations

Numerous simulants and lookalike materials appear in marketplaces worldwide. Natural gemstones sometimes misrepresented as jadeite include:

• Calcite
• Green idocrase (erroneously marketed as "American jade")
• Aventurine (incorrectly labeled "Indian jade")
• Serpentine (falsely sold as "Korean jade")
• Green hydrogrossular garnet (misleadingly called "Transvaal jade")
• Green-dyed marble (deceptively presented as "Mexican jade")

For more examples of misleading terminology, consult our comprehensive list of jade misnomers.

Some assembled triplet gems may feature genuine translucent jadeite top and bottom sections with a filling of green-dyed cement designed to imitate valuable "imperial jade."

Both glass and plastic materials can serve as jade simulants.

Common Jadeite Enhancement Treatments

Grayish jadeites may be stained to imitate "imperial jade" coloration or dyed to achieve mauve colors.

Other common treatments to improve color and luster include:

• Bleaching or acid treatments
• Wax or polymer impregnation
• Polymer coatings (stable treatments)

Gemologists grade jadeites and nephrites according to the types of treatments they receive.

• "A" jade refers to untreated, natural jadeite or nephrite. This material may have a wax coating, but no other treatment should be present.
• "B" jade refers to material that has undergone bleach and polymer treatment.
• "C" jade contains dye.
• Jade pieces with both polymer treatments and dyeing are designated "B+C" jade.

Jadeites are more likely to undergo treatments than nephrites.

Where Are Quality Jadeites Found?

Notable gem-quality sources include the following:

• Myanmar: source of "imperial jade."
• Guatemala: rare blue stones.
• Russia: apple green-colored material at some localities; also fine translucent, Cr-rich material at the Kantegir River, West Sayan.
• San Benito County, California: lenses and nodules in chert, various colors.
• France; Italy; Japan; Kazakhstan; Mexico; Turkey.

How to Care for Your Jadeite Jewelry

Natural, untreated jadeite may withstand mechanical cleaning. However, acid-treated specimens may develop cracks despite the material's durability.

If you are uncertain about your jadeite jewelry's treatment history:

• Clean only with warm water, mild detergent, and a soft brush
• Consider a professional examination by a qualified gemological laboratory

For additional recommendations, consult our gemstone care guide and gemstone jewelry cleaning guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes jadeite different from nephrite?

Jadeite and nephrite are both called jade but are two different minerals. Jadeite, a pyroxene mineral, is rarer, harder (Mohs 6.5-7), and typically more valuable than nephrite, an amphibole mineral.

What colors can jadeite gemstones come in?

While green is the most famous color (especially "imperial jade"), jadeites can naturally occur in white, lavender, blue, black, orange, red, yellow, and brown variations. Color variations significantly affect value.

Is all jade jewelry made from jadeite?

No. Jade jewelry can be made from either jadeite or nephrite. Many pieces marketed simply as "jade" are actually nephrite, which is more common and generally less expensive. 

Why is jadeite jewelry so valuable?

Jadeite's value stems from its rarity, particularly for high-quality translucent imperial green material, its historical significance in Chinese and Mesoamerican cultures, and its exceptional durability. Fine-quality pieces from Myanmar (Burma) remains among the most expensive gemstones per carat.

Can I wear a jadeite ring every day?

Yes. With a Mohs hardness of 6.5-7, jadeites withstand daily wear better than many gemstones. Jadeite's exceptional toughness makes it resistant to breaking even with regular use. Acid-treated specimens may be less durable than untreated stones.