When most people think of jade, the first colour that comes to mind is usually green. While green jadeite is the most well-known and highly loved, jadeite actually comes in a wide range of beautiful colours - from soft icy white to lavender, yellow, red, and even black.
Each colour has its own charm, and the “best” shade often comes down to personal preference, skin tone, and the feeling you are drawn to.
Green Jadeite
Green is the classic jadeite colour and is often the most recognisable. It can range from a soft pastel green to a rich, vivid emerald-like shade.
Brighter and more saturated greens are usually more sought after, where the value of the jadeite increases exponentially. However, softer green shades can be just as beautiful for everyday wear, especially if you prefer something subtle and elegant.
Lavender Jadeite
Lavender jadeite, also known as 'Zi Luo Lan', is loved for its soft and delicate purple tone. The colour can vary widely, from a pale lilac to a richer, more saturated purple. Some pieces carry a warmer pinkish-purple hue, while others have a cooler bluish undertone.
Icy Jadeite
Icy jadeite has become increasingly popular in recent years, loved for its clean and translucent appearance. Its beauty lies in its clarity, soft glow, and almost glass-like quality.
Although icy jadeite is often associated with a white or colourless undertone, variations such as icy green and icy lavender jadeite are also highly sought after. These pieces are especially admired for their combination of colour and translucency.
Yellow Jadeite
Yellow jadeite has a warm and bright appearance, ranging from soft honey tones to richer golden shades.
Because of its relative scarcity, yellow jadeite with good translucency, lustre, and colour saturation can command a high market value. Fine yellow jadeite is especially admired when it has a luminous glow, giving the piece a warm yet refined appearance.
Red Jadeite
Red and orange jadeite are also less commonly seen. These colours often feel bold and festive, making them especially striking in statement pieces. Similar to other jadeite colours, deeper and more vibrant tones are generally more sought after and can command a higher value.
When purchasing red jadeite, it is important to ask whether the colour is natural or has been enhanced through heat treatment. This is because treatment can affect the jadeite's natural lustre and value.
Black Jadeite
Not to be confused with black nephrite jade, black jadeite has a distinctive beauty of its own. It is often associated with omphacite jadeite, which is characterised by its deep, almost jet-black appearance.
What makes omphacite especially interesting is the way it reacts under light. When a torch is shone through the stone, hints of dark green may appear beneath the surface, revealing a hidden depth that is not immediately visible at first glance.
How to Choose a Jadeite Colour
There is no one colour that is right for everyone. Some people are naturally drawn to the classic beauty of green, while others may prefer the clean look of icy jadeite.
When choosing a piece, think about what you would actually enjoy wearing. At the end of the day, jadeite is personal. The most beautiful piece is usually the one you feel connected to.
Final Thoughts
Jadeite is much more than just green. Its different colours are part of what makes it so special, and each shade has its own quiet charm.
Whether you love classic green, soft lavender, icy white, or warm yellow tones, take your time to explore the colours and choose the one that speaks to you. Discover ClassicJade’s collection of natural Grade A jadeite and find a piece in the colour that feels uniquely yours.