Classification of Jade

Suspicious if the pieces of jade you own are artificial? Jade is classified to Grade A, B and C under international classification and used by the jade industry.

Grade A
This is natural and untreated jade. Only undergoes traditional process, which are not defined as ‘artificial treatments’ and recognized internationally. The natural color is also called ‘true color’.

Grade B
This is natural jade but chemically bleached to remove impurities and then impregnated with polymer to enhance translucency. This treatments damage the structure of the jade. The artificially treated Grade B jade is unnatural and become discolor after a period of time. Heat or household detergent will break down the polymer.

Grade C
This jade is not only chemically bleached to remove impurities but treated to enhance color. The color will be rich and becomes discolor after a period of time. The transparency and equality will lose under strong light, body heat and household detergent.

When you heard “Real Jade” or “Real Jade with Natural Color”, will you think it’s a Grade A jade? It may be a Grade A jade or it may not be. Grade B jade (treated jade) is still 100% real jade with 100% natural color but has been artificially treated.