Jade Colours Explained: White, Green, Lavender & More

Jade comes in a beautiful spectrum, and colour is one of the biggest drivers of both look and price. Here are the colours you'll meet most often, across nephrite (Hetian) and jadeite.

White (mutton-fat)

The classic of Hetian nephrite. The most prized is a warm, slightly creamy white with a dense, oily texture — "mutton-fat" jade. A clean, even white with good oiliness is highly collectible.

Green nephrite (碧玉)

Spinach-to-emerald greens, often from Russian and Qinghai material. Value rises with rich, even colour and fine texture. Small black flecks are common and natural; even colour without heavy spotting is best.

Lavender & smoky purple

Soft lavender and smoky-purple tones are elegant and increasingly fashionable — especially with younger buyers. Even, gentle saturation is the goal. Lavender jadeite in particular is a rising collector favourite.

Black jade (墨玉)

Dense black nephrite, dramatic and understated, and very popular for men's beaded bracelets. Look for an even, deep colour and good polish.

Imperial & icy jadeite

In jadeite, vivid pure "imperial green" is the most valuable of all jade colours, prized for saturation and "water" (transparency). "Icy" near-colourless jadeite, glassy and luminous, is also highly sought after.

How colour affects price

• Saturation & evenness matter more than the hue itself.
• Natural, untreated colour (Type A) is essential — dyed colour has little value.
• For jadeite, colour combined with high water commands the strongest prices.

Whatever the colour, insist on natural, certified jade — and choose the tone that speaks to you, since you'll wear it for years.