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Natural inorganic gem materials · Rock / mineral aggregate · Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Clay Minerals Jade
A mineral aggregate composed mainly of clay minerals; Clay Minerals Jade is its GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.2 basic name, serving only as a classification node and not suitable on its own as a product’s main name. This page compares how the major standards and institutions name it, what must be disclosed when selling it, whether it can be worn every day, how it is treated and identified, and which source each conclusion comes from.
Price, rarity and origin are outside the scope of this wiki.
What this page can answer
This page covers
- How Clay Minerals Jade forms and what gives its colourFormation setting, process and timescale, each finding graded and sourced
- Treatments and enhancements of Clay Minerals JadeThe enhancements and treatments the GB/T and JJA/AGL tables list
- Caring for and wearing Clay Minerals JadeDurability indicators and wearing advice
- Mohs hardness of Clay Minerals JadeEach value with its source and check date
- Clay Minerals Jade in English, Chinese and Japanese; national standard namesNames in four languages, the GB/T standard name and the suggested listing name; and: Has any of GIA, FTC, CIBJO or Gem-A put a name for it on record here?
- Name origin and history of Clay Minerals JadeWhere the name comes from
- Listing and disclosing Clay Minerals JadeThe listing name to use; what must be disclosed before sale
- Standard clauses that define Clay Minerals JadeWhich clause defines it, each cross-checked
What we cannot conclude
- Whether one particular bead is natural, treated or synthetic — only a laboratory report can settle that.
- Geographic origin, unless an origin report accompanies the item.
- Price, rarity or investment value: this wiki covers naming and disclosure only.
Material research: formation, causes and history
What authoritative sources say about how this material forms, what causes its colour and optical effects, where its name comes from and how people have used it. Each statement carries an evidence grade and its sources; it describes the material in general, not any specific piece.
How it forms
Clay-mineral jade is an ornamental/jade material composed mainly of layered hydrous aluminosilicate clay minerals (such as kaolinite, dickite and pyrophyllite), with those clay minerals as its underlying materials. They arise by substituting for other aluminosilicate minerals during hydrothermal alteration and weathering, and also through direct precipitation as a usual component of the clay-size sediment fraction; dickite commonly forms along veins where aluminosilicate minerals are altered, while pyrophyllite is found in hydrothermal veins and in bedded deposits within schistose metamorphic rocks. Its underlying materials thus form chiefly through hydrothermal alteration, weathering and authigenic sedimentation.
Scope: Applies to the genesis and occurrence of the underlying clay minerals (kaolinite, dickite, pyrophyllite, etc.) of clay minerals jade; it is not treated as a single mineral species.
Sources RRUFF Kaolinite · RRUFF Dickite · RRUFF Pyrophyllite
Where it forms
Hydrothermal alteration and weathering settings (replacing aluminosilicate minerals)
Sources RRUFF Kaolinite · RRUFF Dickite · RRUFF Pyrophyllite
Clay-size sediment fraction, plus authigenic sedimentary settings.
Sources RRUFF Kaolinite · RRUFF Dickite · RRUFF Pyrophyllite
Bedded deposits within schistose metamorphic rocks
Sources RRUFF Kaolinite · RRUFF Dickite · RRUFF Pyrophyllite
How it forms, step by step
Aluminosilicate minerals are replaced under hydrothermal or weathering conditions, converting to clay minerals such as kaolinite.
Sources RRUFF Kaolinite · RRUFF Dickite · RRUFF Pyrophyllite
In sediments, clay minerals can form by direct precipitation from solution as the clay-size fraction.
Sources RRUFF Kaolinite · RRUFF Dickite · RRUFF Pyrophyllite
Dickite forms along veins by alteration of aluminosilicate minerals and may also be an authigenic sedimentary mineral.
Sources RRUFF Kaolinite · RRUFF Dickite · RRUFF Pyrophyllite
Pyrophyllite and associated phases are found within hydrothermal veins and in bedded deposits hosted by schistose metamorphic rocks.
Sources RRUFF Kaolinite · RRUFF Dickite · RRUFF Pyrophyllite
Link to appearance
The appearance of clay-mineral jade depends on grain size and purity: fine, pure material is dense with an earthy to waxy luster and can serve as carving or seal stone; Fe and other impurities produce white, brown, or yellow hues, while water content or a loose structure lowers transparency and hardness.
Sources RRUFF Kaolinite · RRUFF Dickite · RRUFF Pyrophyllite
Timescale
The cited sources give no absolute geological timescale for clay-mineral formation.
Sources RRUFF Kaolinite · RRUFF Dickite · RRUFF Pyrophyllite
Related base materials
- Clay minerals (kaolinite/dickite/pyrophyllite etc.): Clay minerals jade is a mineral aggregate composed mainly of layered hydrous aluminosilicate clay minerals
Supporting findings
Through hydrothermal alteration and weathering, kaolinite substitutes for other aluminosilicate minerals; it may also arise from direct precipitation within sediments.
Evidence grade BScope: Describes kaolinite formation pathways; does not cover specific P-T conditions.
Sources RRUFF Kaolinite
Dickite is commonly of hydrothermal origin, forming along veins by alteration of aluminosilicate minerals, and may also be an authigenic sedimentary mineral.
Evidence grade BScope: Describes the occurrence and genetic type of dickite.
Sources RRUFF Dickite
Pyrophyllite occurs both in hydrothermal veins and in bedded deposits within schistose metamorphic rocks.
Evidence grade BScope: Describes host environments of pyrophyllite; not limited to one locality.
Sources RRUFF Pyrophyllite
Where the name comes from
The name clay-mineral-dominant jade is not given an etymology by the cited sources; the etymologies belong to its parent minerals: kaolinite is from a corruption of the Chinese Kauling, 'high ridge', for a Chinese occurrence; dickite honours the Scottish metallurgical chemist Allan Brugh Dick (1833–1926), who first described the species; pyrophyllite is from the Greek for fire and leaf, in allusion to its exfoliating into fan shapes when heated. These etymologies belong to those parent minerals, not to the trade name.
Evidence grade BScope: The etymology explains the origin of a name only; it does not attest composition, locality, naturalness or treatment, and here belongs to the parent mineral rather than to the trade name itself.
Sources RRUFF Kaolinite · RRUFF Dickite · RRUFF Pyrophyllite
Other research findings
The underlying materials of clay-mineral jade are layered hydrous aluminosilicate clay minerals such as kaolinite, dickite, and pyrophyllite.
Evidence grade BScope: A mineralogical composition statement; specific samples require individual identification.
Sources RRUFF Kaolinite · RRUFF Dickite · RRUFF Pyrophyllite
Limits of this research
- Research status: Formation, occurrence or other material-specific findings found in authoritative sources
- 'Clay-mineral jade' denotes a clay-mineral-rich aggregate, not a single mineral species; this record uses kaolinite, dickite, and pyrophyllite as representatives for its underlying-material genesis.
- The full text of GB/T 16552-2017 and GB/T 34098-2017 is not freely obtainable, so whether 'clay-mineral jade' is a regulated category name or any clause wording could not be verified.
- The cited sources give no absolute geological timescale for clay-mineral formation and do not quantify alteration/weathering P-T conditions.
Methodology
- Origin determination and its limits
- Quality grading and value factors
- How gemmology became a technical discipline
Evidence grades
- A
- Standards bodies, government geological surveys, peer-reviewed research and museum records
- B
- Institutional educational material
- C
- Specialist databases or cautious readings
A statement is never graded above its strongest source.
This section is LumaLark's own factual restatement of public authoritative sources, credited item by item; it contains no verbatim excerpts, images or third-party logos.
DecideListing name, disclosure, care and treatments
- Suggested listing name
- Clay-mineral aggregate (state the dominant mineral)
GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.2 “Clay minerals Jade” · CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 7.1.4
Construction or treatment status
Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Treatments recorded for this material: Heated / Heat-treated (via parent material), Filled / Fracture-filled (via parent material), Dyed (via parent material), Coated (via parent material)
Related:Disclosure and cautions
This page cannot answer
Natural? · Origin · Price
A lab report settles these; this wiki covers naming and disclosure.
Related:What this page can answer
Answer at a glance
"Clay Minerals Jade" is a market name rather than a mineral species name; before using it, verify: Industry-wide term that does not denote a single species.
Evidence
- GB/T · Table A.2, row 粘土矿物质玉 (Clay Minerals Jade)
What this means for you
Before buying, check the recommended listing name "Clay-mineral aggregate (state the dominant mineral)" and any disclosed treatments on this page, and ask the seller for a grading report if in doubt.
Known uncertainty
- This entry's exact material identity is not fully settled.
- See “Disclosure and cautions” above
- Last reviewed
- 2026-09-01
Trade-name ruling
- Industry-wide term that does not denote a single species.
- Suggested listing name
- Clay-mineral aggregate (state the dominant mineral)
Care and wear
No institutional care guidance is registered for this material yet; below are its durability indicators and general guidance.
Durability and wearing
Mohs hardness
2–2.5
Daily wear
Clay-mineral-dominant 'jade' (mainly kaolinite) is only Mohs 2–2.5, extremely soft and easily scratched, and flexible but inelastic, so it is not suited to daily wear; the main risks are scratching, abrasion and pressure-induced deformation or breakage.
Care
Wipe only with a soft cloth or a slightly damp swab; avoid soaking, ultrasonic/steam cleaners, chemicals and any pressure or rubbing.
General guidance: LumaLark's general guidance inferred from the material's properties (hardness, toughness, cleavage); not text from the cited source, and not a guarantee for any specific piece.
Scope: This field describes general material properties and does not constitute a durability or safety warranty for any specific finished product; the durability of treated (filling/dyeing/coating) or assembled pieces must be assessed separately.
VerifyNames, standards, technical facts, clauses and sources
Names
Standard and listing namesThe GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.2 formal name is Clay Minerals Jade, and the suggested listing name is clay mineral aggregate (state the main mineral); Clay Minerals Jade is only a classification node, cannot be used on its own as the main product name, and is a general trade term rather than a single mineral species. Japanese namesFor the formal name of Japan's GSJ, the entry has its own Japanese name, and the wording of Japan's GSJ for it is not yet verified by this site. Names in four languagesNames are given in Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English (Clay Minerals Jade) and Japanese. Trade and mineralogical namesThe mineralogical name can be paraphrased as a clay-mineral-rich aggregate used as jade or ornamental stone. Institution usageOn authority wording, the FTC and CIBJO texts on file have no wording for this name (checked); GIA and Gem-A are unchecked; bodies without a recorded wording show the entry's own English name Clay Minerals Jade, which does not represent their position.
- GSJ (Japan) formal name
- 粘土鉱物質玉 (not yet checked for this body — the entry's own Japanese name is shown)
- Chinese formal name
- 粘土矿物质玉 (GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.2)
- Mineralogical name
- Clay-mineral-rich aggregate used as jade/ornamental stone
Four-language names
- 简体中文
- 粘土矿物质玉
- 繁體中文
- 粘土礦物質玉
- English
- Clay Minerals Jade
- 日本語
- 粘土鉱物質玉
See also: Misleading and prohibited trade names · Supplementary name index
Classification
- Origin
- Natural materials
- Material domain
- Natural inorganic gem materials
- Browsing family
- Jade materials
- Identity tier
- Rock / mineral aggregate
- Mineral chemical class
- Silicates
- Construction or treatment status
- Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Treatments listed by standards
The treatment classification of Clay Minerals Jade in GB/T 16552—2017 Annex B, Table B.1 is registered by this site by applying the "Shoushan Stone", "Qingtian Stone", "Balin Stone" and "Changhua Stone" rows; the standard itself does not list treatments separately for Clay Minerals Jade. Applying the "Shoushan Stone" row: heating is an optimization, filling is graded, and dyeing and coating are treatments. Applying the "Qingtian Stone", "Balin Stone" and "Changhua Stone" rows: filling is likewise graded, and dyeing and coating are treatments. How the filling grades are defined, and what Table B.1 is, are on this site's Gem treatments page; the full rows with the effect column are on the Shoushan Stone, Qingtian Stone, Balin Stone and Changhua Stone pages.
GB/T 16552-2017, Annex B, Table B.1
- Under the “Shoushan Stone” row of Table B.1: Heating Optimization; Filling Graded — see §5.4.1, Table 1; Dyeing Treatment; Coating Treatment. The full row, with the effect column, is on the Shoushan Stone page.
- Under the “Qingtian Stone” row of Table B.1: Filling Graded — see §5.4.1, Table 1; Dyeing Treatment; Coating Treatment. The full row, with the effect column, is on the Qingtian Stone page.
- Under the “Balin Stone” row of Table B.1: Filling Graded — see §5.4.1, Table 1; Dyeing Treatment; Coating Treatment. The full row, with the effect column, is on the Balin Stone page.
- Under the “Changhua Stone” row of Table B.1: Filling Graded — see §5.4.1, Table 1; Dyeing Treatment; Coating Treatment. The full row, with the effect column, is on the Changhua Stone page.
What Table B.1 is, and how the “see 5.4.1” grades are defined: see the GB/T 16552: optimization vs treatment page.
What it is and how it's identified
The chemical composition of Clay Minerals Jade depends on which minerals are present and in what proportions; GB/T 16552 Table A.2 lists its main constituent minerals as dickite, kaolinite, pyrophyllite, illite, nacrite and others. GB/T 16553 has no separate entry for Clay Minerals Jade, and GB/T 16552 Table A.2 lists Shoushan stone, Qingtian stone, Balin stone and Changhua stone under it; each of the four has its own entry in GB/T 16553 with identical wording, so they are written together, and the values describe these four stones, not a separate determination for Clay Minerals Jade as a whole. Cleavage is usually not seen in an aggregate; optic character anisotropic aggregate; birefringence not measurable for an aggregate. Untreated, pleochroism is not measurable for an aggregate, luminescence (overall) usually none, and the quality factor (lustre) greasy or waxy. The UV-visible spectrum is not diagnostic.
Registered material facts
Each row carries its own source and check date and can be cited on its own; “—” means the cited source gives no value, not “none”.
Definition
Clay Minerals Jade — composition (chemistry): set by which minerals are present and in what proportions
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
GB/T 16553 has no clause for clay minerals jade itself. GB/T 16552 Table A.2 lists Shoushan, Qingtian, Balin and Changhua stone under it, and GB/T 16553 gives each of them its own clause (see the source line); all four word this item the same way, so it is given once here.
It describes those four stones, not a separate measurement of clay minerals jade as a whole. GB/T 16552 Table A.2 gives its main minerals as dickite, kaolinite, pyrophyllite, illite, nacrite and others.
Source & check 2026-09-28
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.31, §5.2.32, §5.2.33, §5.2.34 (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-28
Durability
Clay Minerals Jade — cleavage: generally not seen on an aggregate
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-28
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.31, §5.2.32, §5.2.33, §5.2.34 (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-28
Optical
Clay Minerals Jade — optic character: anisotropic aggregate
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-28
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.31, §5.2.32, §5.2.33, §5.2.34 (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-28
Clay Minerals Jade — birefringence: not measurable on an aggregate
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-28
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.31, §5.2.32, §5.2.33, §5.2.34 (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-28
Clay Minerals Jade — pleochroism: not measurable on an aggregate
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-28
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.31, §5.2.32, §5.2.33, §5.2.34 (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-28
Clay Minerals Jade — fluorescence (overall): generally none
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-28
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.31, §5.2.32, §5.2.33, §5.2.34 (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-28
Clay Minerals Jade — spectrum (UV-visible): non-characteristic
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-28
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.31, §5.2.32, §5.2.33, §5.2.34 (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-28
Quality factors
Clay Minerals Jade — quality factor (lustre): greasy or waxy
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-28
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.31, §5.2.32, §5.2.33, §5.2.34 (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-28
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Clause-level definitions
Clay Minerals Jade is listed directly in GB/T 16552—2017 Annex A under the term Clay Minerals Jade, defined as an aggregate consisting mainly of clay minerals and used as jade or as an ornamental stone. The cross-check result is that it is listed directly in GB/T, and no identically titled standalone entry was found in CIBJO.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Term | Clause | Definition | Cross-check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clay Minerals Jade | GB/T 16552-2017 Annex A | Clay-mineral-rich aggregate used as jade/ornamental stone | Listed directly by GB/T; CIBJO carries no standalone entry under the same name. |
Evidence and sources
Authority basis and clause sources
Sources
- CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation. Gemmological Laboratories Book (Blue Book), Gemmological Commission 2024-1.
- CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation. The Gemstone Book (Blue Book), 2022.
- SAMR / SAC (China). GB/T 16552—2017 Gems — Nomenclature.
- RRUFF Project, in partnership with the IMA – International Mineralogical Association. IMA Mineral List.
- Geological Survey of Japan, AIST (Japan). Museum mineral specimens, browse by classification.
Further reading
Related entries and topic cluster
Parent entry and related pages on this site. Rows marked “Planned” are suggested new content and have no link yet.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Page | Content | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Browsing family | Jade materials | Live |
| Treatments recorded for this material | Heated / Heat-treated (via parent material), Filled / Fracture-filled (via parent material), Dyed (via parent material), Coated (via parent material) | Live |
| Related articles | To be added (placeholder) | Planned |
Who maintains this page
The material facts in the Clay Minerals Jade entry are maintained by the LumaLark wiki and matched one by one to the standard clauses or institutional sources they cite: every fact carries its source (with a clause or page locator) and a check date, so it can be traced back to the original; clause-level definitions also carry a cross-check result. The entry exists so that buyers and sellers can check naming, disclosure and material facts item by item.