As one of the Chinese four great jades, Xiuyan jade can be divided into two types. One is Old jade called Hemo jade, which has plain yet dignified quality a dark green color. The other one is Soft jade, which features a quality that is infarctate but gentle, fine and smooth, and a mainly green color. The colors of pure white and golden yellow are extremely seldom seen, so the jade with that kind of color can be seen as a priceless treasure.
Dushan jade
Dushan jade is also known as “Nanyang jade” or “Nan jade”, which is produced in Dushan just north of Nanyang city. As one of the Chinese four great jades, the quality of Dushan jade is tough and dense, exquisite, soft and moist, and its color is transparent. It has six colors: green, white, yellow, purple, red and black.
Dushan jade has a long history. The jade spade found in 1959 in Neolithic sites at Huangshan near Dushan can prove that ancestors had already recognized and used Dushan jade long before 5,000 years ago. Afterwards, Dashan jade was widely used to make jade carvings. There are more than 120 breeds of jade carvings, like people, flowers, birds and beasts, landscapes, gods, sandalwood burner and jewelry. Dushan jade has already become the famous specialty of Nanyang.
Calaite
Calaite is similar to emerald. It got its name because its color and shape is like a dark green pinecone. Calaite is one of the rare valuable diamonds in the world, and the goods produced with calaite have become an important collectable.
People have always been attracted to its green color and the grain of calaite. In ancient times, people related calaite with religion and superstition. In Tibet, people especially respect calaite. They see calaite as a divine decorative accessory, which can be used for rituals.
The color of calaite may differ because of the different elements it contains. Calaite will appear blue in color if it contains coppery oxide, and it will appear green if it contains iron oxide. The color of calaite is an important factor which can affect its quality.
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