Type A vs Type B vs Type C Jadeite: What the Grades Mean
Updated
Type A jadeite is natural jadeite that has only been cut and polished. Type B has been bleached with acid and filled with polymer resin to look cleaner. Type C has been dyed to add or improve color, and B+C is both. Only Type A holds long-term value, and the reliable way to confirm it is a certificate from a recognized gem lab.
What does "Type A" jadeite mean?
"Type A", "Type B" and "Type C" are trade terms used across the jade market to describe whether a piece of jadeite has been treated.
| Grade | What was done to it | Long-term value |
|---|---|---|
| Type A | Cut and polished only. A light traditional wax coating on the surface is accepted. | Holds value; the only grade collectors buy |
| Type B | Soaked in acid to remove brown or dark stains, then impregnated with polymer resin to fill the gaps | Low; can turn yellow and become brittle over time |
| Type C | Dyed to add or intensify green, lavender or other colors | Low; dye can fade |
| Type B+C | Bleached, filled with polymer and dyed | Lowest |
Type A is simply natural jadeite. Everything its color and translucency show is what nature produced.
What is jadeite, and how is it different from nephrite?
"Jade" covers two different minerals. Jadeite is a pyroxene mineral and is the material traded as 翡翠 (feicui) in Chinese. Nephrite is an amphibole mineral and includes the Hetian jade (和田玉) that is also prized in China.
| Jadeite | Nephrite | |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral group | Pyroxene | Amphibole |
| Hardness (Mohs) | About 6.5–7 | About 6–6.5 |
| Specific gravity | About 3.33 | About 2.95 |
| Main source of gem material | Myanmar (Burma) | China, Russia, Canada, New Zealand and others |
When a listing says "jade" without specifying, ask which one it is.
Why are Type B and Type C jadeite a problem?
Treatment itself is not the issue; hiding it is. A Type B bangle can look cleaner and more translucent than a Type A bangle at a fraction of the price, and sellers sometimes pass it off as natural.
The polymer used in Type B jadeite can age, turning the stone yellowish and weakening its structure, so a treated bangle is more likely to crack. Dye in Type C jadeite can fade with light and time. Neither holds its price in the resale market.
Can you tell Type A from Type B by eye?
Not reliably. Some signs can raise suspicion, such as a web-like etched texture on the surface under magnification, or color that concentrates along cracks, which suggests dye. Some dyed green jadeite looks red under a Chelsea color filter, but not all dyed material reacts, so a negative result proves nothing.
Gem labs confirm polymer filling with infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and other instrument tests. That is why a lab certificate matters more than any at-home test.
How do you read a jadeite certificate?
A useful certificate lets you match the paper to the actual piece and to the lab's records.
- Check the lab. Well-known issuers include China's National Gemstone Testing Center (NGTC), GIA and established Hong Kong jade laboratories. Chinese certificates should carry accreditation marks such as CMA and CNAS.
- Check the naming. On Chinese certificates, natural jadeite is named simply 翡翠 (jadeite). Treated material is named 翡翠（处理） ("jadeite, treated").
- Match the details. Weight, dimensions, color description and the photo must match the piece in front of you.
- Verify the number. Most labs let you look up a certificate number online. A certificate you cannot verify is only a piece of paper.
How does JadeiteHub make sure every piece is Type A?
We only list jadeite that comes with a lab certificate, and every piece that sells is sent to our inspection center before it leaves China. We match the item to its certificate, film it under standard light and send you the video. Nothing ships until you approve it, and if the piece does not match its description you receive a full refund.
FAQ
Is Type A jadeite the same as natural jadeite?
Yes. Type A means the jadeite is natural and untreated apart from cutting, polishing and a light surface wax.
Is Type B jadeite fake?
Type B is real jadeite, but it has been bleached with acid and filled with polymer. It is worth far less than Type A and should always be disclosed.
Can a jeweler's loupe detect Type B jadeite?
A loupe can reveal warning signs, but it cannot confirm treatment. Labs use infrared spectroscopy and other instruments to detect polymer.
Which certificate should I trust for jadeite?
Choose a certificate from a recognized lab such as NGTC, GIA or an established Hong Kong jade laboratory, and verify the certificate number on the lab's website.