Hotan jade

Hotan jade (和田玉) is noted for its whiteness and flawlessness. In Chinese historical records, jade can be classified into white, green, blue, yellow and black, etc. and the white one is the most precious. Among the various Hotan jade, the most famous are suet jade, black jade, and jadeite. The suet jade, the best kind of the white jade, is gentle and purely white as its name "suet" suggests, while the black jade is shining black. The two kinds are rare materials used to make jade ornaments like finger rings, bracelets, seals, and curios. The jadeite, green as emerald, is even more valuable.

Hotan was so abundant in Hotan jade that people in the past could easily find it on the ground. But now people have to climb the snow-covered mountain peak to find some, for not much is left on ground after so many years of exploration. Most of the jade is now gone, with only a few kilos of good quality jade found yearly, which makes the jade more valuable. The major deposits of Hotan jade are tucked away deep in the lofty Kunlun Mountains. It was made inaccessible to the public in the past. Previously people had to search for the lumps of rough jade, which were carried down by summer torrents to the foot of mountains or to the adjacent plains. It became a custom to look for precious stones on flood land.

In August 2005, the Hotan Jade Trading Center was opened. The center, classic-looking, is located at Renmin Road in the prime area of Urumqi, Xinjiang's capital. With its pleasant shopping environment, it is an ideal place to appreciate and purchase Hotan jade.