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The Rare Colors of Jadeite

The most common color of jadeite is the classic apple green that people typically associate with jade. Emerald green, sea green, and leaf green shades are also prevalent. However, jadeite also frequently occurs in lavender, pink, red, blue, black, and white colors. There are even rare colors of jadeite that command high prices in the gemstone market.

Green fluorite crystal with sharp edges and a glassy texture on a plain white background, exuding a fresh, calming vibe.
The most common color of jadeite is the classic apple green that people typically associate with jade. Image: Find Gemstone

  1. Imperial jade


One of the rarest jadeite colors is "Imperial jade." This refers to jadeite that is an intense emerald green color. Only the highest quality jadeite with a rich, even color and high translucency qualifies as Imperial jade. Top quality Imperial jade can be worth more than gold by weight. The kingfisher feather pattern, a bright blue-green mottling, is also considered part of the Imperial jade designation.

Vòng tay đá cẩm thạch xanh ngọc lục bảo với hạt kim loại khắc chữ "PULSERAS," đặt trên nền trắng, tạo cảm giác tinh tế.
Top quality Imperial jade can be worth more than gold by weight. Image: Pulseraz

  1. Chocolate jade


Another exceptionally rare variety of jadeite is known as "Chocolate jade." As its name suggests, it has a rich brown color resembling chocolate. High quality chocolate jade with an even color is hard to find. It is one of the most coveted jadeite colors for collectors along with Imperial jade. Part of its appeal lies in its warm, earthy color being quite unique for a jadeite gemstone.


  1. Mutton fat jade


"Mutton fat jade" is an opaque, pure white form of jadeite that has a waxy look, like mutton fat. This color results from jadeite's composition lacking the trace elements that create the green hues. A block of high quality mutton fat jade can be valued at over a million dollars. Its icy, milky appearance stands out among the vivid greens typically associated with jadeite.

Vòng ngọc bích trắng, bóng mờ với một vết màu cam nhạt, nằm trên nền trắng đơn giản. Không có văn bản hoặc hành động.
"Mutton fat jade" is an opaque, pure white form of jadeite that has a waxy look, like mutton fat. Image: Carters.com

  1. Lavender jade


"Lavender jade" is one of the rarest jadeite colors. It possesses a soft violet or lilac hue. The color is caused by trace amounts of manganese. Quality lavender jade is highly coveted by collectors for its uniqueness and beauty. However, dyed stones are common, so authenticated, natural lavender jade commands extremely high prices at auction.

Jade bangle with gradient hues from white to light purple, on a white background, showcasing smooth, polished texture.
Quality lavender jade is highly coveted by collectors for its uniqueness and beauty. Image: Mays

  1. Red jade


"Red jade" is also one of the rarest and most desirable jadeite colors. Intense crimson and pinkish-orange reds occur naturally from trace elements like iron or chromium. But reddish-brown jade is more common than deep reds. Authentic gem-quality red jadeite is challenging to source, making museum-quality pieces highly valuable.

Những viên đá bán quý màu cam nhẵn bóng, xếp sát nhau. Bề mặt phản chiếu ánh sáng tạo cảm giác sáng bóng, hấp dẫn và thư giãn.
Authentic gem-quality red jadeite is challenging to source, making museum-quality pieces highly valuable. Image: Aurora Gems

Summarze


While green dominates, jadeite comes in every color under the sun. The rarest shades like Imperial green, chocolate brown, mutton fat white, lavender, and red are considered the holy grails for serious jadeite collectors. These exceptional colors distinguish jadeite from other gems and are breathtaking examples of nature's diverse beauty.


By Find Gemstone - findgemstone.com

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