Gemstone profile and identification guide
Imperial Jade
Imperial jade is the highest-value trade grade of vivid green jadeite, distinguished by color quality and translucency.
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Overview
Imperial jade is the highest-value trade grade of vivid green jadeite, distinguished by color quality and translucency.
Did you know? In strict trade usage, imperial jade refers to top-grade jadeite, not nephrite.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Imperial Jade
Scientific classification: Jadeite Trade Grade Category (Imperial Jade)
Hardness: 6.75 Mohs
Transparency: translucent
Lustre: vitreous to greasy
Crystal system: Monoclinic (jadeite aggregate)
Primary colour: Vivid Emerald Green
Secondary colour: Not specified
Colour family: Greens
Imperial jade grading depends on jadeite species, vivid color, translucency, and texture quality.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Values are reported as practical gemological ranges where appropriate.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 6.75 Mohs
Chemical composition: Sodium aluminum silicate (NaAlSi2O6) for jadeite imperial-grade material
Crystal system: Monoclinic (jadeite aggregate)
Common locations: Myanmar (Hpakan tract)
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Highly saturated vivid green jadeite of top trade quality, usually with fine translucency.
Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Jadeite (imperial trade grade)
Mineral group: Pyroxene group
Chemical formula: Sodium aluminum silicate (NaAlSi2O6) for jadeite imperial-grade material
Mohs hardness: 6.75
Crystal system: Monoclinic (jadeite aggregate)
Lustre: vitreous to greasy
Transparency: translucent
Streak: White
Cleavage: Perfect in two directions but usually not apparent in aggregate cuts
Fracture: Splintery to uneven
Specific gravity: 3.30-3.38
Refractive index: 1.66-1.68
Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic
Colour range: Vivid saturated emerald-green
Common inclusions: Granular jadeite texture, chromite spots, healed fractures
Geological environment: High-pressure metamorphic jadeitite bodies
Principal mining regions: Myanmar (Hpakan tract)
Important commercial sources: Imperial jade in the strict gem-trade sense is high-quality jadeite primarily from Myanmar
Historical significance: One of the most valued jade trade categories in East Asian gem markets.
Common treatments: Bleaching, polymer impregnation, and dyeing are critical treatment disclosures in jade trade.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Dyed quartz, glass, and polymer composites widely imitate imperial jade color.
Common look-alikes: Dyed quartzite, chrysoprase, green glass
Jewellery uses: Used in high-value cabochons, beads, bangles, and fine collector jewelry.
Care recommendations: Generally tough, but avoid strong chemicals and impact on thin carved sections or open settings.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Imperial Jade.
Formation
Jadeite forms in high-pressure metamorphic environments associated with subduction-related tectonic settings.
Origin
Imperial jade in the strict gem-trade sense is high-quality jadeite primarily from Myanmar
Uses
Best for: Used in high-value cabochons, beads, bangles, and fine collector jewelry.
Ideal uses: High-end jewelry emphasizing vivid green color and translucency.
Care
Generally tough, but avoid strong chemicals and impact on thin carved sections or open settings.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by hardness
Commonly confused gemstones
Imperial Jade FAQ
How can I identify Imperial Jade?
Compare hardness (6.75 Mohs), crystal system (Monoclinic (jadeite aggregate)), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous to greasy) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Imperial Jade appear in?
Highly saturated vivid green jadeite of top trade quality, usually with fine translucency.
Where is Imperial Jade commonly used?
High-end jewelry emphasizing vivid green color and translucency.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 04 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 04 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 04 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 04 factual verification pass.