Hetian Jade (Nephrite)

Hetian Jade, also known as Nephrite, is the most prestigious of China's four famous jades. Renowned for its fine, warm texture and strong oily luster, it is hailed as the National Jade of China with a history dating back to the Neolithic Age.

Mohs Hardness

6.0-6.5

Origin

Xinjiang Hetian, Qinghai, Russia, South Korea

Market Price Range

Seed material: $700-$70,000+/g; Mountain material: $70-$700/g

Detailed Description

Hetian jade is classified by color into white jade, green jade, blue-white jade, jasper, ink jade, yellow jade, and sugar jade. Among these, mutton-fat white jade is the most precious, with a color like congealed fat and extremely fine texture. Hetian jade holds an extremely important position in Chinese culture, with the ancient saying 'a gentleman compares his virtue to jade.' From the jade congs of Liangzhu culture to the imperial seals of the Qing Dynasty, Hetian jade has been integral to Chinese civilization throughout history.

Identification Methods

Warm and oily to the touch, with a weighty feel in hand

Semi-transparent under flashlight with uniform, fine structure

Cannot be scratched by steel knife (hardness exceeds steel)

Clear, pleasant sound when tapped; imitations sound dull

Natural seed material has characteristic pore structures on surface

Market Information

The Hetian jade market shows a steady upward trend. Xinjiang seed material prices continue to rise due to scarcity, with premium pieces appreciating 15-20% annually. Qinghai and Russian materials remain relatively stable due to larger supply.