Jadeite Classification and differentiation of Type A, B, C and Treated Color enhanced?
In recent years, color enhancement and or heat treatment is a common practice in order to produce affordable prices to meet growing demands for beautiful jadeite pieces and jewelry.
Often in the marketplace, most sellers or merchants don't disclose these treatments and create an illusion for buyers to believe that the jadeite was of higher quality and value naturally and therefore over paying for it.
In fact any forms of color enhancement and or heat treatment will be considered unnatural and brings down the value. Although treated jadeite looks eye-catching at first sight with its vibrant green color and it is common to see at places like Chinatown of Singapore, and tourist souvenir shops.
To most individuals, it is difficult to differentiate between natural and treated jadeite. For trained individuals, they can tell the difference by slight change in weight as treated jade infused with polymer resin is lighter than the natural form. But this inspection is not 100% accurate and often for high value jadeite items it is better to have it certified at a local reputable gemological institute. The certification of jadeite is divided into three main categories and a new addition: Type A, Type B, Type C or Treated.
Type A Jadeite – Natural form
Type A natural jadeite means that there is no chemical treatment.
Type B Jadeite – Chemically treated and resin infused
Type B jadeite means it has been soaked in acid or bleach which removes impurities or oxidation stains. This process lightens the color of and leaves multiple holes or micro craters which can be seen with a loupe. Then placed into a vacuum chamber where polymer resins are infused into it and finally the polishing to create a smooth and lustrous color. Type B jadeite can change as the infused polymer resin can discolor and oxidize when exposed to heat and sunlight. Below is an example of Type B, which glows under UV lights.
Type C Jadeite – Dyed coloring
Type C jadeite has undergone all the treatments of type B and with the addition of color adding or dye to the polymer resin to produce an enhanced color.
Not Type A, B or C - Treated or Color Enhanced Jadeite
The latest modification of Jadeite is not classified as Type B or C as it is burned with color powder to enhance the color of the jadeite. Below is the image of the Treated Jadeite (color enhanced) and it's classification by NGI Nanyang Gemological Institute of Singapore. Do note that currently in China, most gemological institutes there will still classify and certify these Treated or Color Enhanced Jadeite as Type A.
Caution! Health Hazards of Type B and Type C Jadeite
Wearing type B and C jadeite can pose health hazards due to the chemical treatments involved in their processing, which may leave behind harmful residues that can be absorbed through the skin through skin pores and may lead to Skin Irritation and Allergic Reactions, Respiratory Issues.
NGI Nanyang Gemological Institute - Visit NGI
NGI is one of the most reputable gemological laboratories for jadeite certification in Singapore.