Color Root and Color-Root Crack 色根与色根裂

A color root is a natural linear or area-like structure within the jade. Color roots are areas where different minerals or coloring elements were deposited within the jade, creating natural variations in color.

When these minerals or coloring elements are tightly integrated with the surrounding jade structure, the area appears as a color root. A color root usually cannot be felt with a fingernail. It is not considered a flaw and normally does not affect the firmness of the bangle.

If the minerals or coloring elements are not well integrated with the surrounding jade structure, or if there is separation in that area, it may form a color-root crack. A color-root crack may be felt with a fingernail.

The effect a color-root crack on firmness depends on the depth, length, direction, and location of the crack. Generally speaking, compared with ordinary cracks of similar size, a color-root crack may have less impact on the firmness of the bangle because it follows a natural color-root area.

Waterline 水线

A waterline may be visible, but it usually cannot be felt with a fingernail.

It is a natural structure in jade and normally does not affect the firmness of the bangle. The texture in a waterline area is often denser and may appear more transparent than the surrounding jade.

From a carving perspective, areas with many waterlines can be more difficult to work with because the material in those areas may be firmer, harder, and denser. For example, when carving flowers or detailed patterns, carvers usually do not prefer areas with too many waterlines, as they can make the carving process more difficult.

Jade Blister 水痘

A jade blister is similar to a shorter or larger version of a waterline. It may look like a small bean or bubble with water inside.

It is a natural jade structure, not a crack or hairline. It does not affect the firmness of the bangle. In many cases, this denser structure may actually make the bangle firmer.

 

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Cotton Line and cotton area 棉线和棉区

A cotton line is usually a white mineral impurity or a natural jade structure.

It does not affect the firmness of the bangle.

 

 

 

 

A cotton area refers to an area where many cotton-like inclusions or cottony structures are gathered together within the jade.

In most cases, a cotton area is a natural internal structure and does not affect the firmness of the bangle. However, if the cottony area is very large, dense, or concentrated in one section, it may have some impact on the overall firmness of a jadeite bangle.

This does not mean the cotton area is soft or fragile. Even if the cottony area contains other minerals or impurities, it is still a stone/mineral structure. The possible reduction in firmness is mainly relative to the surrounding jadeite structure, which may be more compact, tightly inter-grown, and tougher.

The actual effect depends on the size, depth, concentration, and location of the cotton area, as well as the overall thickness and shape of the bangle. 

 

Sometimes, a cotton line or cotton area may be slightly felt by the fingers. This is mainly due to differences in minerals, texture, density, or polishing response in that area. It does not necessarily mean the area is a crack.

 

Hairline 纹

A hairline is a natural line-like structure within the jade. It may be formed by pressure, crystal growth, mineral differences, or healed micro-fractures during the jade’s geological formation. A hairline can usually be seen, but it cannot be felt with a fingernail. It is considered a natural flaw or internal feature, but it normally does not affect the firmness of the bangle.

 

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Crack 裂

A crack can be seen and can also be felt with a fingernail.

It is considered a flaw. Some cracks may reduce the firmness of the bangle, while others may have little or only minor impact.

 

Surface Crack 浅表裂

A surface crack can be felt, but it is very shallow.

Because it is too superficial, it usually does not affect the firmness of the bangle.

 

 

Alongside Bangle Crack 顺圈裂 / 沿手镯方向的裂

An alongside bangle crack runs along the direction of the bangle.

This type of crack usually does not affect the firmness of the bangle.

 

Around-the-Bangle Crack 横向绕圈裂

An around-the-bangle crack wraps horizontally around the bangle.

Although the overall structure may still appear tight, the internal condition cannot be clearly determined. This type of crack can affect the firmness of the bangle. Usually, a bangle with this type of crack should be worn in a bigger size to reduce stress during wear.

Cut-Through Crack 贯穿裂 / 切穿裂

A cut-through crack is a very serious crack.

From the cross section, the crack has sliced through or separated part of the bangle structure. This type of crack can severely affect the firmness of the bangle. Usually, a bangle with this type of crack should be worn in a bigger size to reduce stress during wear.