What is Jadeite? Green Jadeite – The Most Popular & Its Price Range

Introduction to Jadeite

Jadeite is one of the two minerals commonly known as jade, the other being nephrite. Prized for thousands of years across cultures — especially in China, Myanmar, and Southeast Asia — jadeite is considered the rarer and more valuable of the two. It is a pyroxene mineral composed of sodium and aluminium silicate, and is found primarily in Myanmar (Burma), which remains the world's most important source of gem-quality jadeite.

What Makes Jadeite Special?

Jadeite is treasured for its exceptional hardness (6.5–7 on the Mohs scale), its lustrous surface, and its remarkable range of colours. It can appear in white, lavender, red, yellow, black, and most famously — vivid green. Its fine-grained interlocking crystal structure gives it a toughness that makes it ideal for both jewellery and decorative carvings.

Green Jadeite – The Most Sought-After Colour

Among all jadeite colours, green is by far the most popular and highly valued. The finest green jadeite is known as Imperial Jade — characterised by its intense, even, semi-transparent emerald-green colour. This vivid green hue is caused by trace amounts of chromium within the stone.

The Meaning of Green Jadeite

Green jadeite carries deep cultural and symbolic meaning, particularly in Chinese and Southeast Asian traditions. It is widely regarded as a symbol of:

Prosperity and Wealth – Green jadeite is believed to attract good fortune and financial abundance. Many wear it as a talisman to invite wealth into their lives.
Health and Longevity – In Chinese culture, jade has long been associated with vitality and long life. It is often gifted to loved ones as a wish for good health.
Protection – Jadeite is believed to ward off negative energy and evil spirits, acting as a protective shield for the wearer.
Harmony and Balance – The stone is associated with emotional balance, inner peace, and harmony in relationships.
Purity and Virtue – Confucian philosophy linked jade to the five virtues: benevolence, wisdom, courage, justice, and purity.

Beyond its spiritual significance, green jadeite is also a powerful status symbol. Historically, only emperors and the elite could afford the finest Imperial Jade, making it a mark of prestige and nobility.

Price Range of Green Jadeite

The price of green jadeite varies enormously depending on quality, origin, and craftsmanship. Here is a general guide:

Commercial Grade – SGD $50 to $500 per piece. Opaque or lightly translucent pieces with pale or uneven green colour, suitable for everyday wear or decorative use.
Mid-Grade – SGD $500 to $10,000 per piece. Better translucency and more vibrant green tones. Often used in fine jewellery such as rings, pendants, and bangles.
High-Grade / Fine Jadeite – SGD $10,000 to $100,000+ per piece. Vivid, even colour with good to high translucency. Sought after by serious collectors and investors.
Imperial Jade (Top Grade) – SGD $100,000 to several million per piece. The rarest and most valuable jadeite in the world. Auction records have seen Imperial Jade pieces sell for tens of millions of dollars.

Why Green Jadeite Holds Its Value

Green jadeite — particularly Imperial Jade — is considered a store of value in many Asian cultures. Its rarity, cultural significance, and enduring demand from collectors and investors mean that top-quality pieces often appreciate over time. Unlike many gemstones, fine jadeite is not easily synthesised or replicated to the same standard, which further protects its value.

How to Know If Your Jadeite Is Type A

Type A jadeite is the gold standard — it is 100% natural jadeite that has not been chemically treated or artificially enhanced. Here is how to identify and verify Type A jadeite:

Gemological Certificate – The most reliable method. Always request a certificate from a reputable laboratory such as the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA), Hong Kong Jade & Stone Laboratory (HKJSL), or Singapore's Gem & Jewellery Exchange (GJX). The certificate will explicitly state whether the jadeite is Type A, B, or C.
Surface Texture – Type A jadeite has a natural "orange peel" surface texture when examined under magnification. Type B jadeite, which has been acid-bleached and polymer-filled, often shows a smoother, waxy surface with a resin-like sheen.
UV Light Test – Under long-wave ultraviolet (UV) light, Type B jadeite may show a bluish-white fluorescence due to the polymer resin used in treatment. Type A jadeite typically shows little to no fluorescence.
Specific Gravity – Natural Type A jadeite has a specific gravity of approximately 3.25–3.36. Treated jadeite may have a lower specific gravity due to the polymer filling voids in the stone.
Sound Test (for bangles) – When gently tapped, a genuine Type A jadeite bangle produces a clear, resonant, bell-like tone. Treated or lower-quality pieces tend to produce a dull, flat sound.
Buy from Reputable Sources – Always purchase from established, trusted jewellers who provide certified documentation. At Huang's Jadeite and Jewelry, all our pieces come with proper certification to give you complete peace of mind.

How to Buy Jadeite Wisely

When purchasing jadeite, always look for a certificate from a reputable gemological laboratory confirming that the stone is Type A Jadeite — meaning it is natural and untreated. Avoid Type B (bleached and polymer-impregnated) or Type C (dyed) jadeite, which are significantly less valuable.

At Huang's Jadeite and Jewelry, we specialise in authentic, certified jadeite pieces — from elegant pendants and bangles to fine collector's items. Browse our collection and discover the timeless beauty of genuine jadeite.