Jadeite Treatment and The ABCD Grading of Jadeite Jade

While searching for jadeite jade jewellery and pieces, you may come across terms like such as Type 'A', 'B', or type 'B+C'. So what do they mean and does it matters at all?

Well,

if you care about what comes into contact with your skin,...

or are concern if the jadeite jade piece has been treated with chemicals; then Yes, it is important to know the meaning of each alphabets.

Jadeite Treatment and Its Alphabets "A, B, C, D"

In general, the alphabets of Jadeite Jade is an indication if the piece is chemically-treated or not. The alphabets used, thus far, are A, B, C and D.

The only alphabet that indicates that a piece is untreated is 'A'; and is commonly written or described as "Type A". For instance, “Type A Jadeite Jade" or "Natural Jadeite Jade (Type A)". On the other hand, the alphabets B, C and D are used on treated pieces. The exact alphabet would depends on the treatment used to treat the jadeite jade.

Below is a brief of each alphabet and its meaning.:

Type 'A' - Natural and Untreated

Type 'B' - Bleached

Type 'C' - Coloured

Type 'D' - Other types of crystal/stone that looks like, or is made to look like, Jadeite Jade

Type 'A' - Natural and Untreated Jadeite

Jadeite Jade classified as Type 'A' meant that the piece qualifies to be free of any from of chemical treatment, such as polymer impregnation or dyeing.

Type 'B' - Bleached Jadeite

In its original form, some jadeite jade stone contains impurities and/or inclusions which affects the stones' desirability. As such, such pieces may undergo the process of bleaching and, in certain cases, together with polymer impregnation to improve the colour and translucency. These processes can make lower-quality jadeite appear more desirable, but it also makes the jade more brittle and prone to damage over time.

Bleaching is a process involves placing preformed jadeite pieces into highly concentrated acids, such as hydrochloric acid or nitric acid, for hours to weeks to remove natural undesirable colouration and hide flaws. Such Jadeite Jade may appear whiter and more translucent, but the process oftentimes affect the durability of Jadeite Jade. Hence, bleaching is often combined with Polymer Impregnation to make the piece more durable and attractive.

Polymer Impregnation is a treatment that involves injecting polymer resin into the Jade to fill in cracks and improve lustre.

Photo of Type 'B' Jadeite Bangle

Type 'C' - Coloured Jadeite

Such pieces has been dyed to improve or change its colour. As Jadeite is a porous material, dyes can go into the mini gaps and holes in between its interlocking grain structure. As time goes by, the added colour may fade away.

Type 'D' - Composite Jadeite

Type 'D' typically refers to Composite Jadeite, and are usually found in cabochons or faceted pieces. They are often made by gluing Natural Jadeite onto another material such as glass or plastic. As they are rare, the term is hardly used; hence less known.

What is Type B+C Jadeite?

Oftentimes, due to

(1) the typical assumption that jadeite jade is green in colour,

(2) the high demand for such colour, and

(3) the high value of such colour;

Jadeite jade pieces may undergo more than one treatment process. In such cases, to create a green jadeite piece with nice lustre, a preformed Jadeite piece may undergo Bleaching, Polymer Impregnation, and Dyeing processes. Hence, the term "Type B+C” appears more frequent.

Photo of Unworn Type 'B'+C' Jadeite Bangle

Why Should You Get Type 'A' Jadeite Jade only?

It is natural for things to deteriorate overtime. Even wearing a Type 'A' Jadeite Jade bangle daily for 18 years (almost two decades!) may result in minute scratches on the surface, such that they seems invisible from far and is only apparent up close, what's more for pieces that has lost its durability through treatments and, thereafter, filled with polymer resin?

We always wonder, as such treated pieces deteriorates overtime, where does those microscopic polymer resin and/or added colour goes to? This question frightens us because our skin has pores, and, so far, there is no guarantee that there won't be any consequence.

Hence, we always encourage people to get Type 'A' Jadeite Jade; and if they wear a particular piece daily, do get them check with a reputable gemologist.

Photo of Unworn (L) and Worn (R) Type 'B+C' Jadeite Bangle

A Story from Customer

A customer ever shared with us that he bought a Jade piece from a store which claimed that it is natural". After verifying with reputable gemmology lab, the gemologist noted "indication of chemical treatment" and identified as "Type B". Upon returning to the store to seek refund, the seller would still claim that the jadeite jade is natural. Natural in the sense that the stone originates from Mother Earth.

Note: Type 'A' Does Not Indicate Value of a Piece

To finish this post, do note that even if a piece of Jadeite Jade is certified as Type 'A', it only means that there is no indication of chemical treatment; and does not hint on the value of the particular piece!

Sources:

Zeng C.G. (2018). Nan Yang Gemological Institute Course Notes on Jade Identification (JIOO1)

International Gem Society LLC. (2022, September 11). Identifying Jade Treatments - International GEM Society. International Gem Society. https://www.gemsociety.org/article/identifying-jade-treatments/

Yan, W. (2024, January 29). 5 types of jade bangle treatment. MAYS GEMS. https://mays.com.au/blogs/jade-education/jadeite-jade-bangle-bracelets-treatments