Why Does My Jade Glow?

Have you ever wondered why some jadeite jade pieces seem to glow from within? The luminous quality comes from the way light interacts with the jadeite‘s crystalline structure. Let‘s explore what makes this intriguing phenomenon happen!

When rays of light hit the surface of translucent jadeite, some reflect off but others penetrate into the stone. As these rays pass through, they are refracted and dispersed by the orderly arrangement of minerals and crystals that make up the jadeite. This dispersion of light rays creates a glowing effect to our eyes.

The more transparent the jadeite, the deeper the light penetrates and the more dispersion occurs, resulting in a stronger glowing appearance. Opaque jadeite does not allow light to enter and so does not exhibit this glowing brilliance.

The Science of the Glow: How Light Interacts with Jadeite

To understand the glow, we need to dive deeper into how light behaves when it encounters this variety of jade.

Jadeite has a crystalline structure arranged in a monoclinic pyramidal network. When light rays enter this orderly arrangement of minerals, they bend and spread out based on the principles of refraction. These dispersed rays bounce around inside the stone until they exit the surfaces, creating a fascinating luminous effect.

It‘s similar to how light passes through cut crystal glassware like a diamond-cut decanter. The ordered facets refract and reflect light in dazzling ways. In jadeite, this natural crystalline structure produces the alluring inner glow.

The glow does vary based on the stone‘s composition. Higher quality jadeite with fewer impurities allows deeper light penetration for maximum brilliance. Lower transparency or more flaws block light passage and diminish the glow.

Prized Jadeite: Imperial Colors and Vivid Greens

While jadeite comes in a spectrum of colors, the most valued are rich emerald greens. The ultimate is "imperial jade" – a vibrant green balanced between blue and yellow. This coveted hue has a memorable glow.

Other especially prized colors include:

• "Apple green" – vivid lime greens
• "Lavender jade" – light purplish tones
• "Spinach jade" – deep forest greens
• "Chocolate jade" – deep browns with green undertones

The intensity of the color, along with transparency, determines the value. Opaque or dark stones exhibit less glow and are less desirable.

For example, this carved pendant displays a sublime apple green color. You can envision the mesmerizing glow it would exhibit in natural light. The stone‘s flawless clarity and cut further enhance its beauty and value.

Vivid apple green jadeite pendant displaying prized color saturation. Photo credit: JadeSierra

On the other end of the spectrum, a medium grey-green nephrite would have little glow. Lower color intensity diminishes the effect. While still "jade", it would be less rare and valuable than the translucent vivid jadeite.

Does Jade Fluoresce? Identifying Treatments

While genuine jadeite exhibits an inner glow, it does not normally fluoresce or phosphoresce under ultraviolet light. No natural jade will emit its own light when exposed to UV.

However, some jadeite that has been chemically bleached and treated may display a faint blue-white glow under long-wave UV. This reaction indicates the stone has been altered from its natural state.

Here are some visible signs that a specimen is not untreated pure jadeite:

• Bright fluorescence under UV light
• Unnaturally vivid and intense colors
• Distinct veining or mottling patterns
• Dark spots indicating dye injection
• Waxy or plastic-like texture

Reputable jade dealers will disclose any treatments or enhancements performed on a stone. There is a significant value difference between untreated natural jadeite versus altered stones.

Just How Rare and Valuable is Imperial Jadeite?

To understand jadeite‘s place atop the gemstone hierarchy, consider these awe-inspiring facts:

• In 2014, a jadeite necklace sold at auction for a record $27.4 million. That equates to over $3 million per carat!

• High quality jadeite can sell for $3000 to $6000+ per carat.

• The most precious imperial jadeite comes from Myanmar‘s (Burma‘s) remote mines.

• An amazingly rare imperial jadeite bangle was appraised between $9.52 million to $12.85 million.

This data shows the astronomical value placed on fine jadeite, particularly in timeless carved forms like beads and bangles. The imperial Burmese jade commands the highest prices and admiration around the world.

Jadeite vs. Nephrite – How to Tell the Difference

In the market, you‘ll encounter two different types of gemstone marketed as "jade": jadeite and nephrite. Let‘s compare their qualities:

Jadeite

• Rare and very valuable
• Vivid green colors from pale apple to rich emerald
• Translucent to opaque
• Smooth vitreous luster
• Harder and denser composition

Nephrite

• More common and affordable
• Dark leafy greens to white
• Opaque
• Waxy or greasy surface
• Softer and more porous

Beyond looks, jadeite has a more pleasing smooth, cold feel while nephrite is warmer and woollier. Weight is another clue – the denser jadeite will feel heavier.

Always inspect your jade carefully and buy from reputable dealers. Nephrite is sometimes deceptively sold as the much more valuable jadeite!

Caring for Cherished Jade Jewelry

Jade has inspired awe and obsession for millennia. With proper care, your jade adornments can retain their beauty for many years.

• Gently wipe clean with a soft cloth to remove skin oils and dirt. Avoid harsh chemicals.
• Take off jade jewelry before strenuous activity, cleaning, gardening.
• Keep jade in a separate box to prevent scrapes and abrasion from other gems.
• Don‘t expose jade to excessive heat from dishwashers, ultrasonic cleaners etc.
• Periodically inspect settings and re-dip prongs to secure stones.

By understanding jade‘s singular qualities and exercising care, you can continue enjoying your jade‘s mystical inner radiance. The alluring glow comes from within the stone itself – a testament to jadeite‘s remarkable natural properties and crystalline structure.