gems, jade, Guatemala, Mesoamerica, Colombia, jadeite, fei cui, chloromelanite, omphacite, kosmochlor, pyroxene jade

Stones shaped into amulets, pendants, and celts held significant importance in ancient Central America. These objects were imbued with meaning derived from their iconography and possibly their color, texture, and the labor-intensive effort required to shape stones that were particularly difficult to work (Lange, ed. 1993; Karl A. Taube and Reyna Ishihara-Brito 2012). While such artifacts are often green, their color can range from translucent white to nearly black. Commonly referred to collectively as “jade,” these objects were crafted from a variety of minerals, primarily silicate minerals. The presence of jade artifacts is well-documented in the archaeological record throughout the region, with examples sometimes found in collections lacking provenance. Valued both in the past and today for their cultural significance, jade objects require careful study. Researchers increasingly prioritize noninvasive and nondestructive methods, such as those recently employed at Dumbarton Oaks, to ensure the preservation of these precious artifacts.