Natural vs. Treated Jade

Mason-Kay, the leading producer of fine jade jewelry in the United States, provides great information on the various qualities of jade. Here is a basic run-down, and for additional information, visit http://www.masonkay.com/jade/whatisbjade.php.

• 'A' Jade: Natural, untreated jadeite jade
• 'B' Jade: Acid bleached, polymer impregnated jadeite jade
• 'C' Jade: The dyed form of 'B' jade
• 'D' Jade: Dyed jadeite jade with no polymer; predates the the polymer treatment

While dyed jade has existed for many years ('D' jade), a new kind of jade hit the market in the 1980s. It had a light but bright body color and good translucence. This type of jade is what is now referred to as 'B' jade.

To produce 'B' jade, poor quality jade that has internal stains is immersed in acid. Sodium, which is a part of jade's chemical composition, is leached out during this process, and with it, the stains are removed. At this point, the jade is put into a neutralizing agent and a polymer is injected into the stone using a centrifuge. A clear, plastic-like coating is then put on the jade and it is cut and polished like any other piece of jade.

'B' jade is not as tough as natural 'A' jade and can actually fracture and discolor. According to Mason-Kay, 'B' jade is valued at about 5 to 10 percent of 'A' jade's value, and 'C' and 'D' jade is worth $20 or less. The selling of 'B', 'C' and 'D' jade is acceptable as long as it is disclosed to the consumer.

-Information provided by Mason-Kay, www.masonkay.com