Jade Grading Guide: Type A/B/C Jadeite & Nephrite Grades (2026)

Originally published: May 28, 2024
Last updated: February 26, 2026

This guide summarizes the grading categories shown in the charts below, including jadeite treatment types (A/B/C/B+C) and nephrite grade terms (AAA/AA/A/B+).

Jadeite Grading (Treatment Types)

Jadeite grading chart: Type A untreated, Type B chemically treated and resin impregnated, Type C dyed, B+C chemically treated, resin impregnated and dyed.

The jadeite grading system shown above includes:

  • Type A: Untreated.
  • Type B: Chemically treated and resin impregnated.
  • Type C: Treated with dye.
  • Type B+C: Chemically treated, resin impregnated, and dyed.

Nephrite Grading

Nephrite grading chart: AAA untreated intense green or blue, no cracks, evenly coloured; AA untreated green or blue, minor cracks or inclusions; A untreated intense green or blue with cracks or inclusions; B+ untreated, not gem-grade material.

The nephrite grading chart above describes:

  • AAA: Untreated, intense green or blue, no cracks, evenly coloured.
  • AA: Untreated, intense green or blue, minor cracks or minor inclusions, nearly evenly coloured.
  • A: Untreated, intense green or blue, some cracks, some inclusions, uneven coloured.
  • B+: Untreated, not gem-grade material, carving grade.

FAQ

What is Type A jade?

Type A jade refers to untreated jadeite, as shown in the grading chart above.

What is Type B jade?

Type B jadeite is chemically treated and resin impregnated.

What is Type C jade?

Type C jadeite is treated with dye.

What does AAA nephrite mean?

According to the chart above, AAA nephrite is untreated, intense green or blue, evenly coloured, with no cracks.

Are jadeite and nephrite graded the same way?

No. Jadeite is classified using Type A/B/C treatment categories, while nephrite is graded separately using quality terms such as AAA, AA, A, and B+.

Nina Na Su
Natural Gems Canada · Expert Review

Reviewed by Nina Na Su — Canadian Gemologist

Founder of Gemological Education & Services of Canada.

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