Basic Introduction to Golmud Kunlun Jade
Kunlun jade, also known as Qinghai jade, belongs to the nephrite category. The producing area is part of the eastern edge of the Kunlun Mountains that extends into Qinghai Province, located about 300 kilometers west of Ruoqiang County in Xinjiang, and closely related to Hetian jade production areas in Qiemu and Ruoqiang in terms of geological structure. Qinghai nephrite shares fundamental similarities with Hetian jade in terms of material composition, occurrence status, and structural characteristics. However, there are some slight differences in certain aspects of occurrence features, structure, and physical properties compared to Hetian-produced nephrite. The main deposits of Kunlun nephrite are found in a highland hilly region southwest of Golmud City, Qinghai Province, along the Qinghai-Tibet highway for over one hundred kilometers, with approximately three mines currently being exploited.
Product Characteristics
In the early stages of its discovery, Kunlun nephrite was referred to by various non-standard names such as Kunlun white jade, Kunlun jade, Golmud jade, and Qinghai green jade (for the emerald green variety). According to the naming principles and clauses of the national standard “Jewelry and Gemstones – Names,” combined with conventional practices in classifying nephrite, Kunlun nephrite is categorized by color into varieties such as white jade, greenish-white jade, and green jade. The primary variety, and the most abundant, is sometimes referred to in the industry as “Qinghai white.” It ranges from grayish-white to wax white and is translucent, with a clarity notably better than that of Hetian white jade. The texture is fine and smooth, and the blocks are relatively large, with a few pieces reaching the quality level of “lambskin white jade.” Industry insiders describe different types based on their visual appearance: milk white jade, water-clear white jade, pear blossom white, and rice broth white, among others. Kunlun white jade has a fine and uniform texture, and large blocks, making it top-quality material. However, its higher transparency gives it less weightiness, and when made thin, it appears particularly light.
Historical and Folklore
On New Year's Eve in 1993, eight Mongolian herders from Golmud went to a friend's house for drinks. The friend had a treasured wine pot made of Hetian jade, which captivated the attention of these Mongolian men. In conversation, they mentioned an old legend passed down through generations about the presence of jade mines in the Narchaitai area of the Kunlun Mountains, and decided to search for jade there the next day. January 1st, 1994, became a memorable date for Golmud. On this day, these eight Mongolian men ventured into the Kunlun Mountains and discovered a pile of colorful stones in a remote valley. Following their intuition, they brought the stones back home. After verification by relevant authorities, it turned out that these stones were indeed the jade they had been seeking. These stones were then sent to Zhenping County, Henan Province, the largest jade distribution center in China, for further examination. Comparisons showed that the jade ores from Golmud were identical to the long-lost Hetian jade in both physical structure and chemical properties. News of the discovery of a large number of jade mines in the Kunlun Mountains of Golmud spread quickly, and astute jade craftsmen from Henan first entered the Golmud region, marking the beginning of jade mining in Golmud.
How to Identify Authenticity
First Strategy: Avoid being tempted by low prices. Kunlun white jade is rare and expensive. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Be cautious of merchants' promotions, and be wary of too-good-to-be-true prices to avoid buying fakes.
Second Strategy: Look for artistic charm in the craftsmanship. The finer the workmanship, the higher the price, and the greater the value for collection. Fine carving is typically applied to high-quality jade materials, incorporating painting, carving, and polishing techniques. Jade carvers design patterns based on the unique features of the jade material, such as using different colors to carve lotus leaves or carp, or carving lively human figures. Typically, the labor cost for a well-carved white jade plaque can exceed 1,000 yuan, featuring harmonious proportions and smooth carving lines.
Third Strategy: Examine the material. The grade of the jade material is a key factor determining the price of the jade, influencing not only its usability and aesthetics but also its potential for appreciation. To identify the material, first check the hardness of the jade, which should be higher than glass. Consumers can test this by scratching glass with the jade. Secondly, observe the translucency under light, where Kunlun jade reveals its fibrous interwoven structure. Check for cracks and impurities in the jade piece, and ensure the color is pure and gentle.
Awards and Honors for Golmud Kunlun Jade
Qinghai Kunlun jade gained international fame after being selected for the medals at the 29th Beijing Olympic Games, earning it the reputation as the “spirit of jade” in the industry.