[Jewelry making - Article 00021] - Re: [Orchid] What is Koren Jade ?

[coralnut]

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H Wu,

    The "Korean Jade" is actually actinolite which is a silicate of the
    amphibole family aka tremolite.  Some believe Korean Jade is
    serpentine (also a silicate), and while associated with the bowenite
    serpentine, it is more fiberous than the granular bowenite. 
    Bowenite, also called 'serpentine jade' can run from a hardness of 2
    through 5 while actinolite runs from 5 thru 6.5.  Any other views
    gratefully accepted. 

    I have cut a lot of korean jade and like it very much.  I still have
    some that is mutton fat, some brownish and some that is a light
    green.  When properly cut and polished it is very translucent and
    seems to actually glow. I understand that in the late 70's the jade
    seam began to run into the demilitarized zone between N/S Korea and
    mining had to stop.  Don't know what the current status is but I know
    you don't see much of it on the market these days.  By the way, it is
    a perfect carving material. 

    If you provide your email address, I'll send you a picture of a
    pendent I did some years back. 

    Cheers from Don at The Charles Belle Studio in SOFL where simple
    elegance IS fine jewelry! dcdietz AT comcast.net 


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