Jade is a common gemstone that is popular in jewelry, ornaments, sculptures, and more. While there are two types of jadestone – jadeite and nephrite – jadeite has a higher value. Its value is also found in its cultural significance, as it’s more commonly used around East and South Asia, as well as in Mexico and Guatemala. But how much is jade worth?
The gemstone has many qualities and purposes, but how much can you expect out of a chunk of the stone? Read on to learn how much jade is worth and how it varies depending on its origin, color, and quality.
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Types of Jade
As mentioned, jade can refer to two different stones: jadeite and nephrite. While the former has a higher value, what is the difference? They look similar in terms of color and texture, but they have different properties. Nephrite can be found in creamy white shades as well as a variety of light green colors and is a softer mineral than its counterpart, making it more common in nature.
However, jadeite has more color variations, and is much more complex, as it has a similar build to a crystal which often adds some transparency. Jadeite is much more rare and has only been recorded in fewer than twelve places worldwide, making it a sought-after gemstone.
Factors That Change the Value
Color
Jade has a wide range of colors, each with a different value. While jade is commonly seen as green, it also comes in lavender, orange, red, yellow, black, and white. Some colors are more sought after than others, which can increase their value.
Some will actually treat or bleach jade in order to obscure and remove the evidence of discoloration in order to create a high-valued gemstone. The most expensive hues are Imperial Greens, Purples, and Lavenders.
Transparency and Texture
Transparency and texture are other factors when it comes to how much jade is worth. The clarity of a jade ranges from entirely opaque to almost completely translucent. Opaque jades are seen as dull, as they don’t hold light, which makes semi-translucent jades worth much more.
Even with unevenness in tone and color, these stones can be worth a large sum. And of course, with many gemstones and crystals, smoother textures are more desired than rugged surfaces.
Size and Weight
For any gem, diamond, crystal, or other mineral, the size and weight of something can alter the price immensely. If there is a large stone of smooth, semi-translucent, lavender jade, then the price of it will be up to millions. Smaller sizes usually mean less pricey, but of course, it really depends on the quality of everything else.
Origins
Jade plays a significant role in various regions of the world. With different regions come different values, especially if it comes from a place that has its own unique geological conditions that produce high-quality jade. For instance, Myanmar (Burma) is renowned for its jadeite deposits and is considered one of the most important sources of jade, making its products more valuable.
Other places like China remain one of the largest producers, especially with various colors like white, lavender, and yellow, which adds further value. Russia is known for its unique translucent greenish-white nephrite, which is a lesser-valued jade, but still with exceptional beauty.
How Much is Jade Worth?
The price of jade starts at around $5 per carat to millions of dollars, with the most expensive jade being up to $27.4 million per carat. But how much is jade worth really? Below is a quick price guide to give you a clear idea of the price ranges.
Jade Pricing Guide
- $50 to $500 per carat – White Jade
- $50 to $800 per carat – Yellow Jade
- $100 to $1,500 per carat – Black Jade
- $100 to $1,500 per carat – Blue Jade
- $100 to $2,000 per carat – Apple Green Jade
- $200 to $3,000 per carat – Lavender Jade
- $200 to $3,000 per carat – Purple Jade
- $500 to $10,000 per carat – Imperial Green Jade
Jade Properties
Jade is valued highly for many reasons. The beauty of the various colors, transparency, and variety of uses gives it a high price tag. But what else about jades makes it a worthwhile investment for buyers, especially for those in Asia? This has to do with the believed metaphysical properties of jade. If you’re curious how much is jade worth, then you’ll also need to look into the reasons why jade is so popular in certain regions.
- Harmony and Balance: Jade is believed to bring harmony and balance to one’s life, both physically and emotionally. It is said to help restore equilibrium, promoting peace and tranquility.
- Protection: This beautiful green stone is often associated with protection against negative energies and harmful influences. It acts as a shield, creating a sense of safety and warding off negativity.
- Abundance and Prosperity: Jade is also known for attracting abundance and prosperity into one’s life. It is believed to enhance luck, wealth, and success in various aspects, including finances, career, and relationships.
- Emotional Healing: The soothing energy of jade can aid in emotional healing by promoting feelings of love, compassion, and forgiveness. It helps release negative emotions while fostering self-acceptance and inner peace.
- Physical Health Benefits: In addition to its spiritual properties, jade is also believed to have physical health benefits. It is thought to support the immune system, promote longevity, improve overall well-being, and assist in detoxification processes.
- Spiritual Growth: Jade has long been associated with spiritual growth and enlightenment. It encourages self-reflection, and introspection, and deepens one’s connection with nature and the universe.
- Chakra Alignment: Different colors of jade are associated with specific chakras in the body. For example, green jade resonates with the heart chakra, promoting love and compassion.
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Conclusion
Jade has many variants and locations, which only further explains why jade is worth so much. From the colors and the region of its production, jade is one of the most popular gemstones, and for good reason. With the help of its metaphysical properties and cultural significance, jade has created a name for itself.
So if you’re wondering how much jade is worth and the reason behind it, then you’ll certainly be shocked to hear that jade can cost upwards of millions of dollars just by a few factors.
