Jade is a trade name for gem rocks made mainly of jadeite or nephrite. Their tiny interlocking crystals make them exceptionally tough.
In more detail
LMHC also accepts omphacite jade and kosmochlor jade, which are pyroxene rocks like jadeite jade. Names like Mexican jade or Transvaal jade generally refer to other minerals. Jade can be dyed, bleached and impregnated, coated or heated. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are safe for untreated jade, and warm, soapy water is safe for all jade.
On a grading report
LMHC wording names the material, for example (color) nephrite (jade) or jadeite jade. A further line states any impregnation, or 'no indications of impregnation'.
Related terms
- Jadeite: Jadeite is a pyroxene mineral, and jadeite jade is a rock of its aggregated fibrous or granular crystals. Chromium causes the color of green jadeite.
- Nephrite: Nephrite is a rock of densely interlocked fibers of actinolite-tremolite, an amphibole. This fine-grained interlocking structure makes it very tough.
- Toughness: Toughness is a gem's resistance to chipping and breaking. It differs from hardness, which is resistance to scratching.
- Dyeing: Dyeing is adding a colored substance to a gem's fractures or pores to change its color.
- Resin filling: Resin filling is filling a gem's fissures or cavities with a resin, often one that hardens, to hide them.
- Cabochon: A cabochon is a gem polished to a smooth, convex dome, with no facets. It is one of the oldest and simplest cuts.