jade, jadeite, fei cui, nephrite, Burma, China, Taiwan, Wyoming, Mesoamerica, Russia, bibliography, etc., gems

For those who aspire to collect books, a good bibliography is to the collector as a good map is to an explorer. Without it, one can easily become lost. Fortunately, jade book collectors have access to several first-class bibliographies. Top of the list is that of Gerald Born (1982), who produced this solid work. Bibliography is tedious work, and we are blessed by Born’s attention to detail. Sinkankas: Foreword by Joan Hartmann-Goldsmith, “destined to become the standard reference.” Bibliography “limited to material available in English” and covering “a period from about 1880 … until 1981.” There is a very useful essay on the development of jade literature in two parts, the first on Chinese sources and the second on English sources, each with references cited. The bibliography is arranged alphabetically by author for the most part, providing physical descriptions and content analyses with comments, which may range from a line or two to a full page or more. By far the largest number of entries are journal articles. Where known, library and collection holdings are indicated. Up to that time, the best available bibliography on jade. Commonly, enough detail is provided to enable a researcher to dispense with actual examination of the reference.

gems, jade, jadeite, fei cui, nephrite, Burma, China, Fischer-Other, Broken Bangle

One of the earliest jade books in English is also the rarest, largest, and most sumptuous: The Bishop Collection: Investigations and Studies in Jade (1906). Bishop (1840–1902) was a businessman and philanthropist. Retiring at age 36, he devoted his attention to fine arts. In 1878, he began acquiring the finest examples of Chinese jade, from Late Neolithic through Qing dynasty periods. Bishop’s fascination with jade was not limited to China, but included specimens from other cultures, both carved and uncarved. His collection grew to more than 1000 pieces and is unparalleled even today. In 1902, just before his death, he gifted his entire collection to New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, where much of it is on view today. But Bishop was no mere acquirer of jade, and his book is far more than just a catalog. He was determined, at this embryonic stage of jade scholarship, to answer questions regarding its mineralogy and properties, where it was found, how it was carved, its significance and symbolism, and many other important aspects. To organize these studies, he enlisted prominent mineralogist Dr. George Frederick Kunz, who in turn assembled a team of 28 specialists in every aspect of jade. They documented the results of this 20-year project in an “elephant folio” two-volume set measuring 25 × 19 inches (63.5 × 48 cm) and weighing 125 pounds (57 kg). No expense was spared. Printed on handmade paper, the volumes include 20 original watercolors, 36 copper etchings, 17 woodcuts, and 36 color lithographs, some by famed lithographer Louis Prang. Many of Bishop’s finest jades were shipped to Paris just for artists to prepare the color plates. For this project, Bishop set aside $50,000 (equivalent to US$1.5 million today). Only 100 sets were printed and the plates were then destroyed and the type scattered. Eight sets were given to family members, six to crowned heads of state in Europe and Asia, and the balance distributed to scholarly libraries worldwide. No copies were for sale. Readers are therefore unlikely to encounter a set outside of a major library. The one or two sets that have escaped into general commerce have sold for over US$200,000. A steal, considering that, at the time of their publication, they represented the most expensive books ever produced on Earth. Although more than a century has passed, much remains of value. The color plates of Chinese craftsmen cutting, carving, and polishing jade, for example, continue to be reproduced in books. True students of jade will want to seek out the closest library holding a set and arrange to enjoy these magnificent volumes.

jade, jadeite, fei cui, nephrite, gems, Fischer-Book

Sinkankas: Astounding work, both for its content involving an enormous amount of research into the literature, and its commentaries upon nephrite and jadeite jades as then known from all parts of the world and in all cultures. The first part, called the introduction, really consists of a potpourri of information on many aspects of jade and considers such topics as the ethnographic-archaeologic significance of jade, original and secondary jade deposits, jade deposits in various countries, nomenclatural problems, misidentifications, the literature on deposits, museums with jade collections, carved jades and their uses, curious lore of jade, etc. However, it is the second and by far the largest part, pp. 63–318, that surely must still be the most exhaustive survey of the cultural-historical-scientific literature pertaining in whole or part to jade that has ever been assembled within the covers of one book; it remains truly unique. The literature is dealt with chronologically according to this scheme: authors before Christ, and authors after Christ, the latter subdivided into annual periods of 1 to 100, 100–1200, 1200–1300 AD, and so on, by centuries, finally finishing with the period 1800 to 1875. In all, about 260 excerpts are taken from the authors and supplied with Fischer’s commentary; the name of the author and his work are given, brief bibliographical data, and the substance of the remarks (if a direct quotation is not supplied). Obviously Fischer examined almost all the works, apologizing in places for his inability to obtain copies in those few instances where he could not personally examine the book. All future students of jade, especially of jade in antiquity, must forever be grateful to Fischer for this convenient compilation. The third part is entitled “Special Natural Historical Part” and is no less interesting than the preceding matter, but like the first part, is a conglomerate of facts and further information on jade deposits, mineralogy, analyses, origin of jade, species of jade minerals, impurities in jade, and other topics, plus addenda to other text sections and remarks on the jadeite sculpture of Costa Rica and the largest known masses of nephrite. Preliminary to his description of two Meso-American jadeites, P. J. J. Valentini, “Two Mexican chalchihuites, etc.” (1881, which see), provides an excellent summary of Fischer’s treatise. He notes specially Fischer’s conviction that jades in America, “though they were dug from American soil, cannot possibly be considered indigenous to this continent,” thus adding fuel to the then raging “jade question,” or the theory that all jades came from Asia and were transported as worked objects or raw pieces across the Siberia–Aleutians route into the Americas. In general, while the work is a goldmine of information, it is poorly organized and the reader is well advised always to consult the index first before attempting to find any bit of data. The text drawings are simple outline type showing many kinds of objects and motifs thereon while the two color plates depict more or less faithfully the colors of jade specimens shown as rectangular bars; one bar is of amazonite, for comparison only. An extremely rare work; I have seen only one other copy for sale in 30 years.

gems, jade, pyroxene jade, fei cui, Burma, China, Myanmar

The publication of “The Ultimate Green: A Tale of Fei Cui” serves as both a tribute to Fei Cui and my father, as well as an exploration of the contemporary Hong Kong Fei Cui industry’s global aspirations. The book is structured into three chapters: Chapter One, “Tradition,” provides a broad overview of Fei Cui’s origins, history, and cultural significance; Chapter Two, “Legend,” shares my father’s personal journey in founding On Tung Jewellery; and Chapter Three, “Inheritance,” looks ahead, exploring the future and efforts to internationalize Fei Cui. What sets this book apart from others on Fei Cui is its authenticity—the content arises from the practical wisdom and insights my father and On Tung Jewellery have accumulated over nearly sixty years. It stands as a valuable testament to the rich history of Hong Kong’s Fei Cui industry. Throughout the writing process, we received guidance and support from many industry veterans and partners, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to them. “As cutting and grinding, as carving and polishing,” this book is our sincere effort to pay homage to Fei Cui. We hope our humble perspectives inspire further valuable contributions and welcome corrections and advice from experts and readers.

gems, jade, China, Chinese art, nephrite, yu, fei cui, Chinese jade carving, archaeology, archaic jade

A large-format photographic study of ancient Chinese jade objects from the collections of eight state-owned museums, presenting more than 150 objects, with a particularly substantial group from the Liangdaicun collection. Conceived by photographer Zhang Fenglei and Fenglei Studio as the first volume of a projected eight-volume series, the book seeks to create a “museum on paper” in which exceptionally detailed photography reproduces as closely as possible the appearance, surface, texture, alteration, and translucency of the original objects. Rather than treating archaeological jades primarily as subjects for artistic photography, Zhang emphasizes accurate visual documentation, arguing that lighting, viewpoint, and composition should communicate information inherent in the objects rather than beautify them. The photographs employ high-resolution imaging and unusually demanding reproduction and printing methods, including custom German coated paper and 350-line printing, intended to convey the three-dimensional character and subtle optical qualities of jade. The objects have previously appeared in publications, but this volume re-photographs them systematically and at high quality, providing a substantial visual reference for the study of Chinese jade and jade-working traditions as well as a record of important museum collections. This is an extremly high-quality publication in all respects and a pleasure to own.

gems, jade, fei cui, pyroxen jade, jadeite, kosmochlor, Guatemala, cathodoluminescence, guatemalan, cause of color, P-type jadeitite, omphacite, fluid transport, fluid precipitation-to-metasomatic product, metasomatism

While existing studies on Guatemalan jadeite have predominantly focused on green varieties, the coloration mechanisms and origin of its blue counterparts remain poorly understood. Therefore, the present study provides the first comprehensive investigation of the Guatemalan blue jadeite using an integrated analytical approach, which combines Raman spectroscopy, micro X-ray fluorescence (µ-XRF), electron microprobe analysis (EMPA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging on seven representative samples. The results demonstrate that these jadeites consist of two distinct phases: a primary jadeite phase (NaAlSi₂O₆) and a secondary omphacite that forms by metasomatic alteration by Mg-Ca-Fe-rich fluids. Spectroscopic analysis reveals that the blue coloration is primarily controlled by Fe³⁺ electronic transitions (with characteristic absorption at 381 nm and 437 nm) coupled with Fe²⁺-Ti⁴⁺ intervalence charge transfer, supported by µ-XRF mapping showing strong Fe-Ti spatial correlation with color intensity. CL imaging documents a multi-stage formation history involving initial high-pressure crystallization (Jd-I) followed by fluid-assisted recrystallization forming Jd-II and omphacite. The detection of CH₄, CO, and H₂O in the fluid inclusions by Raman spectroscopy indicates formation in a serpentinization-related reducing environment, while distinct CL zoning patterns confirm a fluid-directed crystallization (P-type) origin. These findings not only clarify the chromogenic processes and petrogenesis of Guatemalan blue jadeite but also establish key diagnostic criteria for its identification, advancing our understanding of fluid-derived jadeite formation in subduction zone environments.

gems, jade, China, nephrite, amphibole jade, Qing Dynasty

Lavish hardcover exhibit catalog of an important exhibit of Hetian yu (nephrite jade) from the Qing Dynasty. The exhibit brought together an amazing collection of pieces and the catalog does it justice.

gems, jade, imitation jade, glass, testing, jade testing, Central Asia, archeogemology,

This paper undertakes a multi-dimensional exploration of the glass imitation jade culture under the context of the ancient Silk Road, tracing the historical trajectory of glass manufacturing technology from West Asia to China, especially after the Han Dynasty, when the flourishing trade along the Silk Road facilitated the integration of foreign glass craftsmanship with China’s indigenous imitation jade tradition. This integration prompted Chinese glass artifacts to not only incorporate foreign techniques but also emphasize the texture and cultural symbolism of jade. Through systematic archaeological excavations and historical text analysis, this study delves into the unique phenomenon of glass imitation jade on the ancient Silk Road in China, providing detailed exposition on the formation, characteristics, and profound impact of this cultural practice. Imitation jade culture extends beyond physical forms, permeating material selection, technological innovation, and cultural symbol inheritance. As a gem of ancient Chinese craft art, the glass imitation jade culture offers valuable insights into understanding the aesthetic features of ancient cultures, cultural exchange patterns, and the evolution of craft technologies. This paper innovatively proposes that ancient glass-making practices imitation jade can serve as a new means to actively protect natural jade resources in modern times, offering a fresh perspective for the exploration and study of the Silk Road cultural heritage.

gems, jade, jadeite, fei cui, Mesoamerica, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Mayans, Olmecs, Aztecs, archaeology

Unique of its kind, this tiny three-dimensional image of the Mexica god forms part of a sculptural corpus that is as interesting as it is small. Its study provides valuable information about imperial cult practices and about the transfer of artistic objects from the pre-Hispanic civilizations of the Americas to the European colonial powers.

gems, gemology, basic gemology, advanced gemology, gem testing, spectroscopy, infrared, FTIR

Since its discovery at the beginning of the nineteenth century, infrared light has proven to be a versatile tool for scientists, industrialists, and consumers. The gem industry has benefited from the power of infrared spectroscopy in gemstone identification for more than 30 years. By measuring the frequencies of vibrations of bonds between atoms in the structure of a gemstone, scientists can determine the composition and atomic arrangement of many important defects that indicate whether a gem is natural, laboratory-grown, or treated. Clever adaptations of instrument hardware and sampling techniques have allowed for efficient and accurate analysis of diamonds and many of the most important colored gems such as ruby, sapphire, emerald, and jadeite. No gemologist’s toolbox is complete without an understanding of the power of infrared spectroscopy for gem identification.