Jade Industry Secrets

If you know where to look, social media in China is full of short films exposing the devious methods used by unscrupulous merchants to sell poor quality jade as top quality stone. New techniques for doing this are being found (and uncovered) all the time. But the tried and tested methods that have been around for years remain the ones most commonly used. This short video summarises e the technique known by some as the ‘Acid Wash’.

To translate, the carver in question in this short clip is handed a piece of jade a customer has paid 9000 RMB for which is about $1300USD. The carver glances at it and says its rubbish jade that’s been pickled in acid. He goes on to say he’ll do a little experiment to show how it’s done, after which the buyer won’t want to wear the jade anymore.

He begins by showing the poor sap who’s bought the treated jade, a piece of rough (jade) that he’s picked up off the street. (This is easy to do in China’s jade carving districts, discarded stone can be found outside most workshops). The carver pours some strong acid into a plastic bag and then places the poor quality discoloured stone inside. As he does so he warns the viewer not to try this at home, as the acid is poisonous and toxic. He explains the acid is so corrosive it leaches out any impurities in the jade. He then shows the jade after its sat in the acid for just a few days -- lo and behold it has transformed into white jade. He gives it a thorough wash after taking it out of the bag, warning that the treatment makes the jade carcinogenic, which is why you shouldn’t wear it next to your skin.