* Color: Its hallmark is a vibrant, intense, and pure emerald green. It should be a deep, rich green without being too dark or too light. Think of the greenest, most saturated emerald you can imagine. It's often described as having a "living" color.
* Translucency: Imperial jade is highly translucent, meaning light passes through it easily. It has a gel-like quality.
* Texture: It should have a fine, even, and dense texture. When polished, it has a glassy or oily luster. The best quality imperial jade feels smooth and cool to the touch.
* Clarity: The fewer inclusions or imperfections, the better. However, some minor inclusions may be acceptable as long as they don't detract from the overall beauty and color.
* Cut and Polish: The cut of imperial jade is important to maximize its color and luster. It is typically cut into cabochons, beads, bangles, or carvings. A high-quality polish is essential to bring out its brilliance.
Important Considerations:
* Color Distribution: The most valuable pieces have an even distribution of color throughout the stone. Blotchy or uneven color can lower the value.
* Jadeite vs. Nephrite: It's important to note that imperial jade refers specifically to jadeite, which is a different mineral than nephrite. Nephrite jade tends to be less translucent and comes in a wider range of colors, including various greens, browns, and creams.
Because of its rarity and desirability, genuine imperial jade can be very expensive. It's crucial to buy from reputable sources and to have it appraised by a qualified gemologist if you are considering a significant purchase.