Jadeite is one of two forms of jade. This beautiful gem is loved in jewelry for its striking green color, but jadeite gemstones were actually originally used thousands of years ago as weapons.

Jade's toughness made it ideal for carving into ax heads and tools as well as ritual artifacts. It didn't take long before ancient civilizations noticed jadeite not only for its durability, but also its beauty and potential metaphysical capabilities. Central American cultures would sometimes hold jadeite against their sides to help cure ailments.

In Chinese, jadeite is called "Fei Cui". The Chinese especially valued jadeite and have used the gemstone for multiple purposes. First, jadeite gems are said to possess health-strengthening abilities and improve longevity. Jadeite bangles are said to protect the wearer and absorb negative energy. According to feng shui, jadeite can influence not only health, but prosperity.

Jadeite can be classified into Type A, Type B and Type C jade. This classification system is used for judging whether the jadeite is Natural Fei Cui (Jadeite Jade) or artificially treated jadeite. Jadeite buyers may take into account the type of jadeite in evaluating its value.

Read the below information on the difference among Type A, Type B and Type C jadeite.

It is natural jadeite which has not been subject to any chemical treatment, impregnation or dyeing that artificially alters its crystalline structure or original colour.

Type B jade is chemically treated and resin impregnated jadeite. Lower quality natural jadeite with impurities, coarse texture or poor transparency can be bleached with strong acids, and then impregnated with epoxy resin. This treatment alters the crystalline structure of jadeite and enhances its transparency, but meanwhile may result in cracks on the surface, dull tone, and yellowish hue. Type B+C jade refers to the jadeite that has been dyed during the above treatment process.

It refers to dyed jadeite. Jadeite of pale colour is partially or wholly dyed green, red, purple, etc. However, such dyed colour will fade and the lustre will become dull over time.

Jadeite has a smooth and even texture. Its texture can be fine, medium, or coarse, depending on variations in crystal size and hardness.

The same crystal structure that contributes to jadeite’s texture also contributes to its exceptional toughness. Jadeite’s interlocking crystals, also called grains, produce a tightly inter-grown, compact mass that bonds together and resists breaking. These interlocking crystals can sometimes be seen on the surface of natural jadeite.

Jade stones may have been known for their toughness, but the surface is still able to be scratched. The best method of cleaning jadeite is to use a soft cloth dipped in soapy water. Jadeite is also fairly porous, so it's best to avoid submerging the stone completely in the soapy water. Make sure the jadeite as well as the rest of the jewelry piece is completely dry before storing. Do not use steam or ultrasonic cleaners.

Imitations which have a Jadeite-like look and are actually taken as Jadeite, are called counterfeit Jadeite. Counterfeit Jadeite can be made out of either natural or synthetic gemstones. Counterfeit Jadeite that is made from natural gemstones can be seen in Chrysoprase (commonly known as Australian Jade), Dyed quartz or Aventurine Jade. Synthetic counterfeit Jadeite can be made from plastic goods or dyed glass.

Jadeite has been cherished by many for thousands of years. Today, investment quality with extraordinary characteristic like good translucency, colour, density and intricate carving are much sought after by many. Auction houses have also seen an increase in Jadeite transactions for the last decade. For example, Sotheby’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite sale on 7 April 2014 achieved a total of HK$831.6 million/US$106.6 million. The top lot of the sale was The Hutton-Mdivani Necklace, which was acquired by the Cartier Collection. Eight bidders in the room and by phone competed for 20 minutes, driving the price past twice the estimate and achieving a World Auction Record for any Jadeite Jewellery and a Cartier Jewel at US$27.44 million