Understanding A, B, B+C and C grade jadeite

Who among those who like to collect or wear ornaments doesn’t want to own a piece of jade ornament? At least you can show off. What do you think? Of course this is a joke, but owning a piece of jade is indeed what many people pursue. However, I believe that many friends still don’t know what jade is, and their understanding of jade is still at a superficial level. Let me give you a brief introduction to jade.

Judging from the literal meaning, jadeite contains two meanings. "Jadeite" refers to the white part, and "emerald" refers to the green part of jadeite, that is to say, "the white is jadeite, and the green is emerald." Of course, this refers to the general situation. In most cases, jadeite is a configuration of white and green. However, there are also various colors of jadeite, such as red jadeite, yellow jadeite, violet, tri-color, and black jadeite. It's just that they are not very common and everyone is more accepting of white and green.

Jadeite, commonly known as jadeite, is a fibrous aggregate composed of pyroxene minerals mainly composed of jadeite minerals. It is mainly composed of jadeite or jadeite and sodium (sodium chrome pyroxene) and sodium calcium pyroxene (diopside). It may contain amphibole, feldspar, chromite, limonite, etc. It is mainly produced in Myanmar and is also called Burmese jade.

After jade is unearthed, it needs to be further processed according to the condition of the jade. The difference in jade texture and processing methods gave rise to the terms A-grade and B-grade jade.

Let’s talk about A-grade jade first. In the early years, when jade was processed to the final stage, it would be soaked in a special solution (which would not destroy the internal structure of the jade or change the surface color) to remove surface stains. The last step is wax dipping and polishing to increase the gloss. After going through these procedures, jadeite is called A-grade jade. I believe many readers have already understood and can accept it.

Then let’s talk about B-grade jade. In fact, jade is not naturally clean. There will always be some gray or yellow impurities that will affect the appearance of jade. Smart merchants will come up with a method of eliminating the fake and preserving the real. They use strong acid to soak the jade. After a period of time, the impurities are washed away with acid, which also destroys the structure of the jade. Part of the surface is burned away and shattered. Epoxy resin must be injected into the interior of the jade after vacuuming to fill the cracks. This is the B-grade jade.

B-grade jadeite can be identified by observing acid etching marks, color changes, surface gloss, listening to the sound when knocking, and ultraviolet fluorescence reaction.

Let’s talk about B+C grade jade. B+C grade jade became popular around 1996. The main process is to use strong acid to remove the yellowing first, then dye it in various colors, and finally inject epoxy resin. The most common color is green, followed by red, purple, brown and tri-color. It can be partially colored, or dyed into color bands, or green can be added to the light green areas to make the color more obvious. Compared with simply dyed products (C goods), B+C goods are easier to be deceived. The identification method is the same as the above method, and can be observed using color filters, spectroscopes, fluorescent lights, magnifying glasses, etc.

B goods and B+C goods have no collection value because they easily weather and turn yellow and fade when dyed after contact with air. They are also not good for the body if worn for a long time because they are soaked in acid.

C goods are basically fake goods (imitation materials, etc.) that have been dyed.

If you travel frequently, most of the jadeite you see in tourist attractions may be B-grade, B+C or even C-grade. You need to pay more attention to it. Personally, I suggest that you should not buy it if you don’t know how to identify it. If you like jadeite, you can buy it in regular stores. Jadeite sold officially will be accompanied by an appraisal certificate from an authoritative organization.

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