gems, jade, amphibole jade, nephrite, dyed nephrite

The Los Angeles laboratory examined a translucent to opaque pale green and brown carving of two birds, measuring approximately 23.4 × 7.2 × 9.5 cm, which testing confirmed to be nephrite jade. The brown coloration, especially concentrated in the shallow carved depressions such as the wing areas, appeared unnatural and suggested artificial staining meant to accentuate carved details. While rubbing a brown area with an acetone-soaked swab yielded no color transfer, a subsequent test using a 10% hydrochloric acid solution did produce a light brown stain, indicating the presence of dye or stain not removable by acetone. Based on the localized application and the unnatural color distribution, it was concluded that the carving had been artistically stained, a practice commonly observed with nephrite carvings. The gem identification report accordingly stated: NEPHRITE JADE, with some areas of artistic staining.