Jade, a gemstone with a long history, has captivated diverse cultures. It served as tools, ceremonial objects, and ornaments in ancient China, Mesoamerican civilizations, and among the Māori people. The term “jade” encompasses two distinct silicate minerals: nephrite and jadeite. This gemstone comes in many colors, including green, white, yellow, red, black, and lavender.
Is Purple Jade Natural?
Purple jade is a natural variety of this gemstone, not an artificial creation. This hue is found predominantly in jadeite, though some nephrite can also be purple. In the gemstone trade, it is often called “lavender jade.”
While natural purple jade exists, some pieces are treated to enhance color or appearance, such as through bleaching and polymer impregnation. These enhancements can alter the stone and its natural value. Some materials marketed as “Turkish purple jade” are composite rocks, not pure jadeite. Natural deposits of purple jadeite are found in Myanmar, Japan, Russia, and historically, Turkey.
What Gives Jade its Purple Color?
Purple jade’s color comes from specific trace elements within its mineral structure. In jadeite, manganese (Mn) is primarily responsible for purple to lilac hues. Trivalent manganese (Mn3+) creates an absorption band in the visible light spectrum, giving the stone its purple appearance.
The concentration of manganese impurities directly influences the color’s intensity and shade; higher manganese leads to deeper violet. Iron (Fe) and titanium (Ti) can also contribute to bluish-purple tones in lavender jadeite. The high-pressure metamorphic processes during jade formation facilitate the incorporation of these elements.
The Value and Rarity of Purple Jade
While “Imperial green” jade is highly valued, high-quality natural purple jade is also sought after. Its unique appeal and scarcity contribute to its desirability. Lavender jade is often the second most valuable jadeite color.
Several factors determine purple jade’s market value, including color intensity and uniformity. Stones with rich, vibrant lavender or deep violet tones and minimal color zoning command higher prices. Translucency is another determinant; semi-transparent purple jade is more valuable than opaque pieces. A fine, smooth texture, free from inclusions or cracks, enhances its overall worth. Prices vary widely, from $10-$50 per carat for commercial-grade material to over $500 per carat for fine specimens, with rare pieces reaching tens of thousands of dollars.