What is a mirror finish for jade?

A mirror finish for jade can be defined as; being free of surface texture and blemishes under 10X magnification. Giving the stone a flawless, ultra-glossy surface reflection.

Rare and Coveted!

Genuine natural jade stones, whether jadeite or nephrite, with a mirror finish are extremely rare and highly coveted. Examples of jade with this quality of finish can be seen on this website. The lapidary techniques that are used to give these gemstones their mirror finish, are proprietary. The unique complex of tools and techniques, used on these stones, were developed by artist Martin Lucas Butler over a period of 33 years.

How do I know it is real jade?

First, I have more than 3 decades of experience working jade. However for this series of stones that will be used as mirrors in photography projects, I wanted to be able to speak with the confidence that comes from having sent the 12mm tall stone pictured above to Mason Kay for testing. “It is natural nephrite jade. It is in fact beautifully polished!” Jeff Mason of Mason Kay in Colorado; jade excellence since 1976.

Reflection Photography

Some of these Jade stones, which are polished to a mirror finish, are being used in a photography series of reflection images by Turtle Vision photographer Martin Lucas Butler.