The Two Distinct Species of Burmese Black Jadeite
- Heaven's StoneZ
- Jan 6, 2019
- 1 min read
Burmese Black Jadeite can really be classified into two different and distinct varieties or species. The first being Omphacite Jadeite and the second being known as Burnt ‘Chicken Skin” jadeite.
Omphacite Jadeite is far rarer than the Burnt Chicken Skin varieties and exceptionally smoother in uniformed texture and color. Often referred to as Mo Cui or Mexican Green in China and Inky Jade in Hong Kong, this high-quality jadeite is actually a mixture of Omphacite and Jadeite which creates the ultrafine crystal size and occasional translucent ability. Not all Omphacite Jadeite is translucent but all will have a smooth fine texture with a uniform deep black color under reflected light. Translucent pieces will exhibit glowing emerald green color when transmitted light is shown through them, giving them the appearance of Imperial Green.
Although the colors of these jadeites are both black, the black color is different. The color of the ‘Burnt Chicken Skin” variety looks gray-black under direct light and is not usually translucent when it is translucent, it shows light shades of white and black with no green. The crystal structure is usually courser than that of the Omphacite Jadeite species so this type of material is usually used for carvings and bangles.
Imperial Translucent Black Omphacite Jadeite
Imperial Translucent Black Omphacite Jadeite
Burnt Chicken Skin Jadeite
Black Chicken Skin Jadeite Jade (Grade A) Hand Carved Ring, Size 7 3/4 US
Black Chicken Skin Jadeite Jade (Grade A) Hand Carved Ring, Size 7 3/4 US
Comments