Lotus Gemology Publishes Book on Jade History

Bangkok—Bangkok-based lab Lotus Gemology has announced the release of a new book on the history of jade. 

“Broken Bangle: The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature” provides an in-depth discussion on the “tortuous history” of jade nomenclature with explanations on how current monikers are based on misinformation and misunderstandings. 

It also features works from some of China’s contemporary jade and stone carvers accompanied by images of historical documents and photos. 

The book is authored by geologist and gemologist Liu Shang-i; Lotus Gemology founder and ruby and sapphire expert Richard W. Hughes; Director of the Gemology Education Center of Shanghai’s Tongji University Zhou Zhengyu; and Lotus Gemology gemologist Kaylan Khourie. 

“Broken Bangle” includes a detailed section on the terms “nephrite” and “fei cui.”

In the mid-1800s, French mineralogist Alexis Damour was analyzing the Chinese gem yù, which is amphibole jade, and he named it “nephrite,” believing that he was looking at the same Mesoamerican pyroxene jade that a 16th century Spanish doctor himself misinterpreted as being used to treat kidney disease (“nephritus”).

In 1863, Damour coined another term for a new mineral species he called “jadeite.” 

“Jadeite,” however, had already been known in China for over two centuries as fei cui (pronounced “fay choy”), the umbrella term the country’s trade uses for all pyroxene jades. 

Recent studies have shown “jadeite” jade is a rock composed of three mineral components, the pyroxenes jadeite, omphacite, and kosmochlor. These components are very small, and it is nearly impossible to determine a stone’s exact composition.

Following the study, in July 2023, Lotus Gemology revised its lab reports, dropping the names jadeite, omphacite, and kosmochlor in favor of "fei cui.”

In December 2023, GIA also made changes to its jade reports, opting to, when appropriate, list the trade term “fei cui” with a note explaining that the term refers to the materials jadeite, omphacite, and kosmochlor.

“Our understanding of the world is deeply influenced by the names we assign to things. As history, culture, and scientific inquiry evolve, it becomes essential to assign accurate and fitting names to these unique types of jade that embody Chinese heritage. This nomenclature should reflect its cultural significance and resonate with both historical context and contemporary understanding,” said lead author Liu Shang-i.

Co-author Zhou Zhengyu added, “There is an ancient saying in China termed ‘casting a brick to attract jade.’ Any book or article is only a stage of understanding, and this understanding, if it can be better than before, is progress. Our work is certainly not the last word on the subject, but we hope it will help improve people’s understanding of this gem’s fascinating history and inspire others to research the subject further. Not unlike a brick thrown in the hopes of attracting jade.”

“Broken Bangle” will also cover other parts of Chinese culture, including much of the history of the Middle Kingdom. 

The book is sponsored by Zhuang Qingfang, The Gemmological Association of Hong Kong, On Tung Jewellery, Junhao Gemology, and Pinde Xuan, along with Lotus Gemology.

The book is limited to 600 copies and can be purchased on Lotus Gemology’s website.