African Green Jade: Why It's Often Mistaken for Jadeite? Unveiling Its Unique Charm
Today, as jadeite becomes increasingly priceless and scarce, a green gemstone from the African continent is quietly gaining momentum in the market. Often confused for its striking resemblance to jadeite, it is readily promoted by merchants as an "affordable alternative" to jadeite. This stone is African Green Jade. What is the allure of this mysterious "African green"? And how can it be distinguished from genuine jadeite? Let us clear the haze and explore.
1. The Mystery of Its Identity
The name "African Green Jade" is self-explanatory, it refers to jade originating from Africa. However, its resemblance to jadeite often leads to confusion among people. African Green Jade is primarily sourced from the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains in southern Africa, which is one of the oldest mountain ranges on Earth, formed approximately 3.6 billion years ago. The region is rich in a variety of jade types, characterized by stable texture and beautiful colors. Consequently, African Green Jade has gradually become a rising star in the jewelry market.
In fact, African Green Jade shares a similar origin with China's "Dulong Jade." Dulong Jade was first discovered in the Dulong ethnic region of Yunnan's Nujiang area, hence its name. Although African Green Jade and Dulong Jade come from different sources, they belong to the same mineral category (quartzite jade). Their composition is nearly identical, and their hardness and density are also very close. Therefore, whether they are called "African Green Jade" or "Dulong Jade," they are both classified as "quartzite jade" on quality inspection certificates, which serves as their common identity in the market.
The name "African Green Jade" has gained widespread acceptance primarily because the majority of this jade is sourced from Africa. As a result, it has earned the title "African Green Jade" in the market, while "Dulong Jade" often refers to the same type of jade circulating in the Chinese market.
2. How to Identify It
African Green Jade and jadeite share many similarities in appearance, particularly in their green hues and luster, often leading people to mistake them for the same type of gemstone. However, the two are fundamentally different in composition and physical properties. To help everyone easily distinguish between African Green Jade and jadeite, here are some practical identification tips:
Hardness and Density: African Green Jade typically has a Mohs hardness of around 7 and a density ranging from 2.65 to 2.75. In contrast, jadeite usually has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 and a higher density, typically between 3.30 and 3.36. While African Green Jade is harder, it is also more brittle, making it more prone to cracking during daily wear or carving compared to jadeite. Therefore, weighing and tactile sensation can serve as important criteria for distinguishing between the two. African Green Jade is lighter than jadeite. When held in the hand, you'll notice it feels considerably lighter. While this method isn’t precise enough to definitively distinguish between the two, experienced jade enthusiasts can often use this noticeable difference in weight as a telltale sign.
Luster and Transparency: African Green Jade exhibits a luster ranging from glassy to greasy, with a surface that is usually semi-transparent or sub-transparent. Its texture appears smooth and oily, with soft coloration. On the other hand, jadeite typically displays a rigid, glassy luster, appearing bright and clear with greater transparency.
Color and Texture: The color of African Green Jade often appears as dotted, patchy, or thread-like green inclusions, resembling randomly scattered paint splatters. In contrast, the green of jadeite is more stable, presenting as vein-like or linear color roots. These colors are deeply embedded within the gemstone, forming more regular patterns compared to African Green Jade. The green of African Green Jade often appears mottled, while jadeite exhibits more distinct layers.
Additionally, there is a particularly noticeable difference: African Green Jade frequently contains shiny golden pyrite inclusions, like little stars hidden within the stone, twinkling subtly. In the world of jadeite, however, such "little stars" are extremely rare almost like rare guests.
3. The Debate on Its Value
Although African Green Jade closely resembles jadeite in appearance, their market values differ significantly. The price of African Green Jade is typically only about one-tenth that of jadeite, making it an attractive choice for many jewelry enthusiasts. Especially for those with limited budgets who still desire the beautiful appearance of jadeite, African Green Jade offers a perfect alternative.
The low price of African Green Jade stands in stark contrast to the high price of jadeite. High-quality African Green Jade closely resembles jadeite in appearance, particularly varieties like "glass type" and "icy floating flowers." Its fresh green color and excellent light transmission can even rival some high-end jadeite. However, its price is only one-tenth or even lower than that of jadeite, making it seen as an "affordable alternative" to jadeite and satisfying consumers' demand for high value-for-money gemstones.
As market awareness increases, the price of African Green Jade has been rising year by year, with an average annual increase of 20%–30%. Particularly for scarce varieties like high-icy "emperor green," the price surge has been even more remarkable. Although the market for African Green Jade is still in a relatively early stage, its unique aesthetic value and relatively low price give it greater potential for appreciation. Collectors and investors can achieve promising returns in the coming years by selecting fine-textured, pure-colored raw materials or carvings of African Green Jade.
Despite its more accessible price, African Green Jade's market status cannot compare to that of jadeite. Jadeite has a long-standing history in China's jewelry market and is deeply cherished by consumers, representing a high-end gemstone. In contrast, the market status of African Green Jade is gradually gaining traction, particularly in the low-end jewelry market, where it is rapidly emerging. However, it has yet to gain full recognition. Therefore, consumers should approach their purchases rationally and avoid mistaking African Green Jade for jadeite.
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