Shibumi Journal · The ABCs of Jade

The Jade
Project

What makes jade jade: the two types, how it is graded, and where its colors come from. Ahead of our Holiday Jade Show.

Words by April Higashi

When we relocated to our Fourth Street location, we began receiving requests for jade. What is it about this captivating stone that makes it so coveted and mysterious?

My journey began when I started acquiring B/C grade jade through a local dealer in Honolulu who attends the major jade shows in China, while simultaneously learning about Natural "A" Grade jade from a reliable source. This rare gem is far more elusive than one might expect. As always, my curiosity led me to delve deeper. Over the past few years, after connecting with a handful of trusted suppliers, I was inspired to curate a dedicated Jade Show and immerse myself in the world of jade, learning directly from experts and passionate sources.

Discover the ABCs of jade here in our journal or visit our show to experience more. Join us for two insightful talks about this remarkable stone, sign up for our email list to learn more, and visit us to see what our artists have created.

Two hands resting in greenery, wrists stacked with white and green jade bangles, jade rings on the fingers — Bangles in white, moss and deep green, stacked and worn.

Immortality, Protection, Fortune

Why Is Jade a Coveted Gemstone?

Jade has long been a symbol of immortality and eternal life, and it has historically been used to promote healing and emotional stability. Beyond protection, jade was even used as currency by the Mayans and Aztecs. Because of its incredible strength and carving ability, ancient cultures also used it to craft tools and weapons, typically for ceremonial purposes.

Today, people wear jade not only for its aesthetic beauty, but to connect with ancient cultures and centuries of historic tradition. Jade is also widely believed to bring protection and good fortune.

Two jade bangles held up to the light, one deep green, one pale and icy

A hand against a rust-colored wall wearing green jade rings and a stack of jade bangles

A wrist over ferns wearing jade bangles and a large green jade ring

Held to the light, worn every day.

Jadeite & Nephrite

The Two Types of Jade

A pair of translucent green jade drop earrings set in gold

Jadeite

Mostly sourced from Myanmar and Guatemala, jadeite crystallizes as short, blocky grains that can look glassy or semi-transparent. It is rarer and includes prized, vibrant shades like imperial green.

A strand of forest-green jade beads with a single gold bead

Nephrite

Found all over the world in places such as North America, China, and Russia, nephrite features a darker forest green color with some black flecks. It has a dense, interlocking fibrous texture and a more oily or greasy luster.

This rare gem is far more elusive than one might expect.

Formed Under Pressure

What Makes Jade So Tough?

Jade is formed deep within the earth under immense pressure. The trace elements present during its creation trigger a chemical reaction that results in the stone's unique color and texture.

While many minerals are fragile, jade possesses extreme toughness due to its unique granular structure. Finer quality or "natural" jade is stronger, featuring a tighter molecular connection than lower-quality B/C jade. These tightly interlocking crystals make it notoriously difficult to break, which is why it is so exceptional for carving.

A mottled green-and-white jade bangle resting on weathered driftwood — Green veins through white: every bangle's pattern is its own.

A, B & C

How Is Jade Graded?

Natural or "A" GradeThe most valuable and strongest category, graded primarily on color, clarity, and strength. Natural jade also incorporates a transparency rating ranging from A to J.
B GradeAcid-bleached and polymer-filled to improve clarity.
C GradeArtificially dyed to alter or enhance its color.
B+C GradeBleached, resin-filled, and dyed.

A gold cage pendant holding green jade beside a pale jade disc, on a painted ink-landscape backdrop

Bleach, Resin & Dye

Why Enhancements Matter

Both B and C grade jade are enhanced because they are not aesthetically appealing in their raw, original form. The acid-bleaching process removes muddy spots and lightens translucency, but it uses harsh chemicals. Once bleached, the stone is impregnated with resin, which can turn yellow or cloud over time. Furthermore, these residual chemicals can cause skin irritation when worn closely against the body.

Dyeing is performed via injection, and the color can fade over time. Ultimately, these chemical processes make the jade structure weaker and far more brittle.

Dark translucent jade bangles worn with a gold cuff

Strands of green jade beads and a jade ring set in gold on weathered wood

A gold cage pendant with jade charms hanging against red rock

Bangles, beads and charms from the show.

Colors of Jadeite

Written in
Trace Elements

Did you know jade's signature colors come from trace elements present during its creation?

Hands holding a row of jade bangles in white, pale green, bright green, black and deep green — White, mint, green and black, side by side.

Iconic Green (Chromium, Iron, Nickel). Ranges from a pale minty green to the legendary imperial green.
Lavender Jade (Manganese, Titanium for blue tones). A softer color range spanning from light purple to a delicate bluish-purple.
Yellow Jade (Iron Oxide). Sometimes called "Canary Jade," this extremely rare variety ranges from a pale yellow-ochre toward a soft orange.
Red Jade (Iron Oxide). Unique and rare, with colors ranging from burnt orange to brick red.
White Jade (No trace elements). Also known as "Ice Jade," featuring a snowy palette of soft whites to cream.
Black Jade (High Iron content). Ranges from black and charcoal to a soft, cool grey.