💫 Carved-stone lore and care
“Jade” should not be used automatically for every green carving. Serpentine, Quartz, Aventurine, Calcite and manufactured materials are sometimes sold under jade-like names. For Jadeite, Type A describes untreated material apart from an accepted surface wax; Type B is bleached and polymer-impregnated, Type C is dyed, and Type B+C has received both forms of treatment.
Jadeite measures approximately 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale and Nephrite approximately 6–6.5, but toughness does not make either indestructible. Clean sound pieces briefly with lukewarm water, mild soap and a very soft cloth or brush, then dry thoroughly. Avoid sharp impacts, acids, solvents, steam, ultrasonic cleaning and prolonged soaking, especially for dyed, polymer-treated, backed, repaired or historic pieces.