What Is Type A Jadeite? A, B and C Jade Explained for Beginners
What is Type A jadeite?
Type A jadeite is natural jadeite: it has only been cut, carved and polished, with no bleaching, polymer filling or dyeing. Remember this one thing before you buy, and you'll avoid the biggest pitfall.
If you're new to jadeite, the labels A, B and C can be confusing. They are not grades of quality. They tell you whether the jadeite has been chemically treated.
What's the difference between Type A, B and C jadeite?
| Type | Treatment | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Type A | Natural jadeite, only cut and polished | No chemical treatment; durability depends on texture and structure |
| Type B | Acid-bleached, then filled with polymer resin | Looks bright at first, but may yellow and lose its lustre over time |
| Type C | Artificially dyed | Colour may fade or look unnatural |
| Type B+C | Bleached, filled and dyed | The least stable |
Type B and C jadeite have been chemically treated. They may look beautiful when new, but they are not stable and can change colour or lose their lustre over time.
Type A does not mean "high quality"
Type A only means natural. It is the starting line, not the finish line. Among Type A pieces, texture, translucency, colour and craftsmanship still vary, and so do prices.
So the order is: first confirm it's natural Type A, then compare quality. Get the order right and you won't go wrong.
How can beginners buy with confidence?
- Choose a seller who clearly labels Type A: the listing should say "natural Type A jadeite".
- Ask: "How do you know this piece is natural Type A?": a trustworthy seller will explain, or provide a gemmological certificate.
- Be wary of prices that are too good to be true: natural Type A jadeite has a real cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Type A jadeite always expensive?
Not necessarily. Type A only means natural. Price depends mainly on texture, translucency, colour and craftsmanship. There are choices from everyday pieces to collectible, high-quality jadeite.
How do I choose jadeite that lasts?
Besides confirming it's natural Type A, look at the jadeite's texture ("zhong"), which describes how dense its internal structure is. The finer and denser the structure, the more stable the stone, and the longer it keeps its translucency and lustre. Jadeite with a looser structure is less stable and more likely to lose translucency or look dry over time.
We consider texture and structure when choosing every piece. Avoid chemical cleaners and high heat in daily wear, and your jadeite will stay beautiful.
How can I be sure a piece is Type A?
The most reliable way is a certificate from a professional gemmological laboratory, which tests the stone with instruments. It's very hard to be 100% sure by eye. Ask your seller to provide or arrange a certificate.
Our promise: every piece at sun_shine.jade is natural Type A jadeite, and a Taiwan certificate can be arranged, so you can wear it with peace of mind.
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