What is Floating Colour Jadeite? A Guide to Value and Meaning

1. What is Floating Colour (漂花) in Jadeite?

In the world of jadeite, colour is rarely just a solid block. Sometimes it looks like clouds or flowing ink. This beautiful natural pattern is called "floating colour" (漂花).

How Floating Colour Forms Naturally

• Not Artificial: This colour is not painted or treated. It forms naturally inside the stone over millions of years.
• Mineral Elements: During formation, mineral elements like chromium or iron spread unevenly, creating areas where colour drifts and flows.
• Visual Effect: Instead of a solid spot, it creates a soft, floating look inside the transparent jadeite.

2. Key Characteristics: How to Identify Real Floating Colour

Real floating colour does not sit on the surface of the jadeite; it is part of the stone structure. You can identify it by these features:

• Soft Edges: The boundaries of the colour are blurry and blend smoothly into the base stone.
• Sense of Depth: When light passes through, the colour appears to move, like looking at ink in clear water.
• Natural Transitions: The pattern looks alive and changes slightly depending on the angle of the light.

3. How Experts Value Floating Colour Jadeite

Not all floating patterns have the same market value. Experts evaluate pieces based on three main factors:

• Distribution: Is the pattern balanced and artistic, or does it look messy?
• Contrast: Does the floating colour make the background color look brighter, or does it make the stone look dark and dull?
• Translucency (Water Content): The clearer the jadeite (such as Ice variety or Glass variety), the better the light interacts with the colour, which increases the value.

4. Floating Colour vs. Dark Inclusions (Impurities)

Beginners often confuse high-quality floating colour with cheap mineral impurities or "dead patches." Here is how to tell the difference: