What is Treated Jade (aka Type B and C Jade)?

What is Treated Jade?

When most people think of jade, they often picture a rich green bangle, the kind once associated with Chinese royalty and now seen in shops across Chinatowns and online marketplaces. In reality, though, that vivid green is extremely rare in natural jadeite jade. A true, full green bangle of high quality can cost hundreds of thousands to even millions.

So when you see something that green priced in the low hundreds (or even the lower thousands), that’s a red flag. More often than not, those bangles aren’t fine jadeite at all, they’re treated jade.

Treated jade is made from low-quality rough that didn’t “make the cut” as gem material. The treatment process is essentially an attempt to give superficial value to what would otherwise be a valueless stone, so it can be sold for far more than it's truly worth. 

Treatment Process of Type B and C Jadeite Jade:

All treated jade starts with low-quality rough, material that has heavy inclusions, cracks, and very poor texture.

Type B jade is created by treating this rough with strong acids (commonly sulfuric or hydrochloric). The acid dissolves internal impurities and stains by leaching out sodium from the jadeite’s silicate structure. This is a lengthy and toxic process, often repeated multiple times.

After acid treatment, the weakened stone is soaked in a neutralizing solution and then impregnated with polymer using a centrifuge. The polymer fills the voids left by the acid, giving the appearance of greater translucency and “tightness” in texture. The surface ends up covered with a hard, plastic-like coating.

Cutting and polishing are then performed just as they would be on natural jade, but the underlying structure has been permanently altered. Many gemologists and industry professionals argue that after this process, the material is no longer truly jade.

Type C jade goes a step further: the polymer-treated material is dyed to enhance or completely change its color, often resulting in the unnaturally neon greens, purples, or yellows seen in the market.

How Much is Treated Jade (B or C Grade) Worth?

Treated jadeite, often labeled as B or C grade, is made from low-quality jadeite rough that could not qualify as gem material.

• Type B jadeite is acid-bleached and impregnated with polymer.

• Type C jadeite adds dye on top of the polymer treatment.

• When both are done together, it is called B+C jadeite.

Because the treatment alters the natural crystalline structure, many experts and collectors argue that treated jade is no longer true jade. Its value is essentially that of costume jewelry.

Market Value:

• B or C grade jadeite generally sells in the range of $10–$200, but in many cases, it has little to no lasting value.

• Unlike natural Type A jadeite, which can be passed down as heirlooms and appreciate over time, treated jade has no investment potential.

This is why it’s important for buyers to understand the risks before making a purchase. At Baikalla Jewelry, we only carry Type A jadeite, certified natural and untreated, so our customers can buy with confidence.

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