Hetian Jade

Hetian Jade forms under the influence of tectonic changes and volcanic activity within the earth's crust. Over the course of geological transformations, rocks that have melted and acidified due to tectonic forces ascend from deep within the crust. They collide and merge with surrounding land masses, undergoing millions of years of weathering and sedimentary deposition to eventually give birth to jade. Mainly categorized into nephrite and jadeite, these two types of jade arise under different geological processes and environmental conditions. Nephrite emerges from ancient Paleotethys sea beds and the Hengduan Mountains' valleys, whereas jadeite comes from the edges of the Karakoram and Tianshan mountain ranges.

Jade boasts an extensive history in China, tracing back to the Neolithic Yangshao culture when people first used it as adornment and subsequently as carved currency during the Shang dynasty. Han dynasty's warm-colored, fine-textured jade garnered popularity, making it a coveted collectible domestically and internationally. During the Tang dynasty, jade craftsmanship and technology significantly advanced, seen through iconic pieces such as the Tang jade drum and seals. In the Ming and Qing periods, jade artistry became even more refined, turning it into a sought-after treasure among the royal court and nobility.

With the advancements in contemporary science and technology, our understanding of jade has deepened. Modern appreciation extends beyond its ornamental value, paying closer attention to its historical, cultural, artistic, and scientific significance, carrying profound implications for preserving and developing the jade cultural industry.

In summary, jade's formation is influenced by geological and environmental factors, holding significant status throughout Chinese history as an integral part of traditional culture and art. As we collect and preserve jade, it is essential to comprehend its historical context and cultural essence thoroughly, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the jade industry.

Hetian Jade 10 key words

In China, the ancient appreciation and adoration for jade might have far exceeded our imagination. It is said that during the Warring States period, jade ornaments had become a nationwide fashion trend. Whether in ancient or modern times, the love for jade remains unchanged. In the process of selecting and appreciating jade, the following seven key factors may help us better understand.

Quality

The element of "quality" essentially plays a leading role in Hetian jade. Quality refers to the texture, encompassing the size, shape, uniformity, and interrelation of the mineral particles forming Hetian jade. High-quality Hetian jade requires fine-grained, fibrous or felt-like structures of its constituent minerals, along with density, delicacy, toughness, smoothness, oiliness, flawlessness, absence of impurities, and no fissures. Excellent Hetian jade, when visually assessed, appears soft, feels warm to the touch, and proves to be hard when tested.

Color Harmony

The term "color" concerning Hetian jade mainly refers to its "color harmony." Color harmony is a crucial factor influencing the quality of soft jade, with "mutton-fat white" considered the most precious in white jade. Assessing the color harmony of Hetian jade involves observing and analyzing color tone, intensity, purity, and uniformity. The color should be even, with no deviation or impurities. The evaluation of intensity pertains to color saturation, requiring appropriate richness. Purity is valued for its direct correlation with quality, with deviations considered inferior.

Lustre

Judging whether Hetian jade is "valuable or not" is significantly influenced by its lustre. Lustre primarily manifests in the sheen of the jade. Most Hetian jade, especially seed materials, exhibits an oily lustre. This gentle lustre is pleasing to the eye and gives a comfortable, moist feel. The best lustre is characterized by a clear brightness in the oily lustre.

Size and Shape

The size of Hetian jade, referring to its weight, volume, and shape, is an important criterion for evaluating jade quality. Generally, larger and regularly shaped raw materials, such as square, flat, nearly circular, teardrop, or oval, are considered better. Irregular shapes, like flakes or wedges, are less favorable. However, personal preferences play a significant role in this aspect.

Impurities

Hetian jade requires minimal impurities. Impurities in Hetian jade include stone flowers, jade veins, stone nails, black spots, and fissures, impacting the quality and yield. High-quality Hetian jade demands purity, without cracks, ensuring higher value. Clear distinctions between the jade and surrounding minerals are termed "dead stones," while unclear lines are termed "live stones."

Transparency

Transparency refers to the degree to which visible light can pass through the jade. Generally, higher transparency indicates tender jade. Hetian jade transparency is categorized into semi-transparent, slightly transparent, and opaque. Semi-transparent to slightly transparent is considered ideal, while poor or excessive transparency is considered less desirable.

Aesthetic Value

As the saying goes, "Three parts destiny, seven parts effort (craftsmanship)." The importance of craftsmanship, particularly carving, is emphasized in Chinese culture. Jade carving is a meticulous and respectable craft, influencing the final aesthetic value of Hetian jade. In today's scarcity of raw materials, each piece of unprocessed jade extracted from rivers is a rare event. The beauty of raw, ancient, and primitive jade is a form of "nature's art" that becomes more refined through carving.

Hetian Jade's Eight Benefits:

Health Maintenance:

Jade contains beneficial trace elements such as zinc, magnesium, copper, selenium, chromium, manganese, and cobalt. Regular wearing of jade allows the skin to absorb these trace elements, promoting the coordinated balance of physiological functions in various organs. Its health-preserving functions contribute to life nourishment, enhanced physical fitness, disease prevention, and ultimately, the promotion of longevity through medical activities.

Warding Off Evil:

Precious jades like jadeite and Hetian Jade have been regarded as auspicious objects since ancient times. From ancient times, primitive ancestors held a "sense" about jade, venerating it as something to "engage with the divine." Under the influence of primitive religions, jade served as a sacred "offering," a medium for connecting with the divine, offering to the heavens and the earth, seeking blessings and auspiciousness.

Cooling Properties:

During the Tang Dynasty, faced with unbearable summer heat, Yang Guifei suffered greatly. To alleviate this, Emperor Xuanzong devised a solution: having Yang Guifei suck on a small jade fish for cooling. From then on, summer for Yang was not just about heat but indeed a genuinely cool season. Jade pillows, jade bracelets, jade beds, and jade pendants all became excellent choices for cooling.

Meditation:

The beauty of jade lies in its virtue and spirituality. Having jade around, whether worn, played with, or simply observed, can calm the mind, soothe the spirit, and cultivate a sense of tranquility and focus. Carrying jade in the heart can cultivate a detachment from worldly pursuits, fostering tranquility and far-reaching aspirations.

Elegance:

In ancient times, from royal jade to that of scholars, jade symbolized the status of a gentleman. A true gentleman would not be without jade. Jade was a symbol of the refined taste and cultivation of ancient people.

Heritage:

In ancient times, when a daughter got married, the mother would often take out a hidden jade bracelet from the bottom of the chest to give as a dowry. As the daughter becomes a mother with a daughter of her own, the jade bracelet is passed down to the new bride. Jade, along with the spiritual qualities of a family, is thus passed down from generation to generation.

Wealth Attraction:

As the saying goes, "Jade must have intention, and intention must be auspicious." With thousands of years of cultural accumulation and refinement, numerous jade stories emphasize the symbolism of wealth, such as the jade pixiu, considered the most potent Feng Shui tool for attracting wealth. Pixiu can swallow everything without ever leaking, symbolizing the attraction of wealth from all directions.

Investment:

In troubled times, gold shines; in prosperous times, jade shines. With the revival of jade culture awareness, improved living standards, and the expansion of investment channels, jade has become one of the primary investment products for preservation and appreciation.

In the vast river of history, jade bears the legacy of civilization, witnessing the passage of time. Its unique charm stems not only from its artistic value but also from its mysterious properties and multifaceted benefits deeply integrated into people's lives. Jade, held in our hands, is not merely an ornament but a solace for the soul, symbolizing traditional culture and carrying the emotional heritage of families. From the realm of physical well-being to the depths of the psyche, jade, with its effects on nurturing life and safeguarding mind and body, has become an indispensable part of the pursuit of a beautiful life. Beneath the luster of jade, we seem to feel the warmth of history and discover the tranquility and serenity within our own hearts. Therefore, jade is not just a splendid accessory; it is a witness to time, a continuation of civilization, enduring and precious.