gems, jade, amphibole jade, nephrite, dyed nephrite

Unlike the artistic surface staining sometimes applied to jade, certain nephrite specimens are now being dyed throughout their entire structure to alter their color completely. A notable example appeared in the Spring 1984 issue of Gems & Gemology, which reported on a batch of green-dyed nephrite cabochons—the first commercially significant quantity observed in some time. Figure 6 illustrates the first strand of 9-mm beads from this material received by the New York laboratory. Their absorption spectrum closely resembles that of dyed jadeite, suggesting the same dye may have been used. If this is the case, the nephrite may be equally prone to fading, as is common with dyed green jadeite.