Guatemala Jade Jadeite - Singapore Precious Stone Information Sharing

What is Guatemalan Jadeite?

Guatemalan Jadeite may be the least known among all the other jadeite in the world. It varies in many different color, texture & translucency. It is commonly sold in souvenir shops, used in reproduction of ancient artifacts and setting pieces for gold jewelries. The ''black" pieces have the most commercial potential whereas the "blue" pieces are the rarest.

History of Guatemalan Jadeite

Mesoamerican jadeite was mined and used for thousands of years in Columbian civilizations. However, this tradition was lost for hundreds years. In 1974, these jadeite pieces were rediscovered in Guatemala and are currently still being mined by very elementary techniques.

Comparison with Burmese Jadeite

Guatemalan Jadeite appear to be grainy with eye-visible crystals and have a greasy luster. It is usually Semi-translucent to opaque. These Jadeite comes in colors such as black, blue-ish green, white, variegated green & dark green.

Burmese Jadeite have rarely visible crystals with a greasy to vitreous luster. It is usually Semi-translucent to opaque. These Jadeite comes in colors such as green,white, brownish orange, lavender & "moss in snow".

Referenced from GIA:

file:///C:/Users/FRONTD~1/AppData/Local/Temp/Jadeite-of-Guatemala-A-Contemporary-View-1.pdf

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