What are the different grades of jade?
“A” quality jade indicates the natural jadeite without undergoing any artificial treatment, alteration or enhancement. Such kind of natural jadeite does not change with the passage of time. It can be preserved forever and wears well. “B” quality jade is defined as the natural jadeite having undergone a process of acid treatment, removed the impurities, and impregnated with colloidal silica or resin. Normally, this kind of jadeite will turn yellow gradually in 5-10 years and slowly the surface color will come off due to the aging of resin or colloid. Meanwhile, the composition of inherent texture of jadeite has been destroyed during the acid treatment which affects immediately its durability. “C” quality jade is specified as the natural jadeite having undergone artificial treatment, colloid impregnation plus adding the new pigment substance. (Dyed color). We may also say that not only its internal texture has been undermined but also its internal color was artificially added in.
