When people think of jade, the first image that comes to mind is often the lush, vivid green of Imperial Jade. Yet among jade’s many hues, lavender jade stands out with its romantic, mysterious, and regal aura—making it a favorite among collectors and jewelry enthusiasts worldwide. Here are five little-known facts that reveal why lavender jade is so captivating:
Most assume that the most expensive jade must be green, but that’s not always true. Top-quality lavender jade with pure, saturated color and fine texture can rival—and sometimes surpass—the market value of Imperial Green.
In 2018, a necklace composed of 35 lavender jade beadssold at a Beijing Poly Auction for around USD $2.7 million (HKD 21.24 million), setting a record for lavender jade (see below). Its sky-high value lies in extreme rarity: pure, vibrant lavender jade is notoriously scarce, and true “investment-grade” pieces are almost impossible to come by.
“Lavender” is not just one color. It ranges from soft pastel pinkish lavender, to smoky aubergine purple, to cooler bluish violet.
In the jade trade, poetic names such as “Spring Color,” “Peach Blossom Purple,” and “Lotus Root Purple” are commonly used to describe these variations. One especially prized variety is “Spring with Color” (春帶彩), where purple, green, and yellow coexist in a single piece. This rare fusion of hues is seen as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune—like nature’s artwork preserved in stone.
One of the most enchanting qualities of lavender jade is its sensitivity to light. Under natural daylight, it may appear pink-purple, while under warm indoor light, it can shift toward grayish or bluish violet. This play of light makes lavender jade feel almost alive, changing its mood from moment to moment.
Across cultures, it is also believed to carry soothing and spiritual energy:
In China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, it is thought to calm emotions, promote wisdom, and restore balance. In Myanmar, it is cherished as a protective talisman infused with energy.
In Western New Age practice, purple is linked to the crown chakra, symbolizing intuition and spiritual awareness—making lavender jade a favorite for meditation and healing rituals.
Rihanna is a big fan of lavender jade. She’s been spotted more than once wearing it on casual outings.
“Glass jade” (or glass-grade jadeite) refers to jade that is exceptionally clear and glassy. Lavender jade, however, almost never reaches this level of translucency. That’s because the trace elements that create its purple color—mainly manganese and iron—tend to introduce a soft, misty quality rather than crystal clarity.
Instead, its charm lies in its gentle, velvety glow. Common grades include:
"Bean-grade" lavender jade – visibly granular, more affordable.
"Glutinous-grade" lavender jade – smooth and evenly colored, popular in the market.
"Ice -grade" lavender jade – extremely rare, and usually very pale in color.
Market prices vary wildly, from small accessories worth a few hundred USD, to auction-level pieces fetching millions of dollars—all depending on color purity, uniformity, and texture.
Almost all high-quality lavender jade comes from Myanmar’s jadeite mines. Other regions produce little to no comparable material. Because of its rarity, imitation lavender jade is common in the market—often dyed or artificially treated to mimic the color.
Natural lavender jade typically has a soft, misty glow. If a piece looks overly vivid, uniform, and intensely purple, it’s wise to be cautious—it may have been enhanced or artificially colored.
Whether for its romantic hues, cultural symbolism, or rare beauty, lavender jade remains one of the most mysterious and coveted varieties of jade.
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