Four Treasures Reference Database
Record No. 28107

Gem Trade Lab Notes: Jade, dyed blue jadeite

Journal Article
Fryer, C.W. (1983) Gem Trade Lab Notes: Jade, dyed blue jadeite. Gems & Gemology, Vol. 19, p. 115.
Sinkankas/Born No.: NIS/NIB  |  RWHL
gems, jade, pyroxene jade, fei cui, jadeite, dyed jade, treated jade, dyed blue jade, dyed blue jadeite
The Los Angeles laboratory was recently asked to identify the 8.98-ct translucent blue cabochon shown in figure 13. To the unaided eye, the interwoven structure typical of jadeite was apparent. A refractive index obtained by the “spot” method revealed a value of 1.66. Spectroscopic analysis was performed, revealing a sharp line at 4370 Å in the violet-blue region and the characteristic dye band centered at 6500 Å in the orange-red region of the visible spectrum. This blue cabochon was therefore identified as jadeite jade, treated color. As with other materials that are frequently dyed or stained, jadeite can be dyed virtually any color, but green is the one most commonly encountered.