Why Are Chinese People Rushing to Hunt for "Jiangxi Jade"?

Why Are Chinese People Rushing to Hunt for “Jiangxi Jade”?

Recently, a trend has emerged among gem enthusiasts in China to “search for gems along the Yangtze River.” People are flocking to the banks of the Yangtze River to collect “Yangtze gems” to sell or to add to their personal collections.

Yangtze gems may be unfamiliar to those who are not well-versed in the world of gemstones. According to analysis, the material of Yangtze gems differs from jadeite and nephrite, but closely resembles the material of Huanglong jade.

People searching for gems on the pebble beach by the Yangtze River.

A notable area that has attracted a large number of gem seekers is Guojia Da in Jiangtan (Chongqing, China).

The waves of the Yangtze River have formed a deep bay here. The current in the bay is responsible for the diverse colors of stones that wash up on both banks.

A vast pebble beach along the Yangtze River makes it even more challenging for gem hunters.

So why has this type of Yangtze stone suddenly gained fame?

The specific reasons behind the popularity of this stone are unclear. It is known that suddenly many buyers have appeared in the gemstone market. This movement quickly led to a surge of people going out to “hunt for stones.” This is why various “gem hunting” spots along the Yangtze River have emerged.

It is not surprising for locals near the Yangtze River to seek out gemstones. However, many have even formed their own groups, traveling by train hundreds of kilometers to hunt for gems.

Many people travel by train hundreds of kilometers to hunt for gems.

Consequently, Yangtze gems have begun to stir the gemstone market, with some individuals even striking it rich simply by the profession of “stone hunting.”

This fiery-colored gem was found by a collector named Li Qiang in the pebble beaches along the Yangtze River.

After being polished, someone offered 600,000 RMB (over 2 billion VND) to acquire this stone. There was even someone willing to sell three houses to exchange for gemstones. However, Li Qiang gently declined as he wanted to keep it as a treasured collectible.

Is the Yangtze gem valuable for collecting?

This depends on the personal values of each individual. However, we can assess the collectible value of Yangtze gems based on the following criteria:

Quality of the Gem

This primarily considers whether the color is appealing, the clarity is transparent or opaque, and whether it is shiny or dull, while also taking into account the location where this type of stone is found. The history of gem collecting in China spans thousands of years and has established aesthetic standards for various gemstones; thus, the material will determine its economic value. Clearly, the material of Yangtze gems is inferior to jadeite.

The material of Yangtze gems is inferior to jadeite.

Artisan Craftsmanship

Unique design and exquisite carving are two factors that influence the collectible value of a gemstone. A truly beautiful gem must possess unique natural characteristics and artificial aesthetics through craftsmanship. This is why gemstones that have been refined by skilled artisans are more valuable and sought after.

Unique design and exquisite carving are two factors that influence the collectible value of a gemstone.

Rarity

“The rarer, the more valuable,” this is a timeless principle in the world of gemstone collecting. Naturally, this is also the most fundamental factor determining the economic value of a gemstone. The rarer jadeite is, the more unimaginable its value becomes. Accordingly, this newly “popular” Yangtze gem also has a defined rarity based on its specific extraction sources.

Real-World Factors

Many factors influence the economic value of gemstones, including the political, economic, and cultural situation of society.

It is known that the number of gemstones with investment and collectible value only accounts for 5% of the market. Therefore, as people become more aware of collecting valuable items, they can better mitigate the risks of market fluctuations, thereby achieving stable investment benefits.