Original Post
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Items being sold on Ebay listed as Zi Pao jade are NOT jadeite or nephrite at all, but instead are composed of the mineral called Illite. Illite is one of the mica minerals . It is a common mineral found in clay soils and mudstone rocks. It is much, much softer than jade.
To create the illusion of jade's waxy sheen, these inexpensive shale carvings are soaked in oil, some kinds of light machine or mineral oil. Often the pieces arrive drenched in this oil. Of course the oil will get on and stain clothing.
The Chinese do make beautiful art carvings out of this illite material, using the different tones of the mudstone to advantage. But remember, you get what you pay for. If it costs $0.01-0.99, you know you are getting a carved piece made out of mudrock, NOT jade!!
) Don't be fooled by the use of the term "jade". This material is definately not any kind of jade as it is defined mineralogically.
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Agreed! The "Zip-Jade" is worth zip. There are a couple of good reliable HK jade vendors on eBay. Gojade comes to mind. They sell their jade at bargan (but no give-away) prices.
