OVERVIEW
CONFUCIUS
The philosopher wrote that jade is like virtue and its brightness represents heaven.
BI
The traditional jade flat disc with a hole in the middle, known as a “bi,” symbolizes heaven.
YU
The character for jade is one of the oldest in written Chinese, dating to 2950 BC.
FACTS
Mineral: Jadeite, Nephrite, Green Omphacite
Chemical composition:
Jadeite: NaAlSi2O6
Nephrite: Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2
Omphacite: (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe2+,Al)Si2O6
Color: Green, white, orange, yellow, lavender, black
Refractive index: 1.666 to 1.680 (+/-0.008) and 1.606 to 1.632 (+0.009, 0.006)
Birefringence: Usually not detectable
Specific gravity: 3.34 and 2.95
Mohs Hardness: 6.5 to 7 and 6.0 to 6.5
为何钟爱这种宝石
1
与光线的相互作用
硬玉的结构可散射光线。 如果适当切磨，当光线从背后照射时可让具有小部分绿色的白色硬玉完全呈现为绿色。
2
坚韧但不坚硬
不算宝石中很坚硬的，这两种玉石类型都非常坚韧。 新石器时代的刀和斧头往往由软玉制成。
3
音乐玉石
敲击软玉戒指时会发出如同音乐般悦耳的音调。 中国皇家曾设计玉石风铃，能奏响特定音调。
品质要素
不管是硬玉还是软玉，绿色都是最珍贵的颜色。 半透明的净度和精细的质地同样会大幅提升玉的价值。
颜色
透明度
质地
切工
克拉重量
硬玉品质要素：综合指南
RESEARCH
Explore sources, gemological research, and the role of gems in history.
RECOMENDED READING
California Jade: The Geologic Story of Nature's Masterpiece
The John Sinkankas Jade Symposium : April 21, 2007
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