Utilization of Black-Green Jade from Xichuan

I. A Unique Geographical Environment: A Hidden Jade Paradise Deep in the Qinling Mountains

The core production area of Xichuan Black-Green Jade (also known as Ink-Green Jade or Yaowang Stone) is concentrated within Xichuan County, Nanyang City, Henan Province. Together with the neighboring Xixia County, it forms the Southwest Henan Black-Green Jade Mineral Belt, which belongs to the hydrothermal metamorphic ore deposit system of the Southern Qinling Ultramafic Rock Belt. Its unique geological genesis has created a rare resource endowment:

• Core Mining Area Distribution: Primarily concentrated in the Qihezhuang, Longtangou, and Nani Lake areas of Xichuan County, with ore bodies extending along the Dadaoling — Longtangou ductile shear zone, with the ore bodies intruding into the gneiss series of the Middle Proterozoic Douling Group. Their dip angles range from 45° to 82°, with individual ore bodies reaching up to 980 meters in length and 300 meters in width. This region lies within the collision zone between the Yangtze Plate and the North China Plate, where complex tectonic movements have provided the key conditions for jade formation.

• Geological Evolution: This mineral belt was officially discovered in the 1960s and entered a phase of small-scale mining in the 1970s. After decades of development, stable production capacity has been established in areas such as Yangqigou and Longtangou. During the 1980s and 1990s, the annual output of black-green jade rough stones in Xichuan County was approximately 0.5 万吨, accounting for 62.3% of the national total, making it the core production area with the richest reserves and highest-quality black-green jade in the country.

• Characteristics of the Local Resources: The host rock of Xichuan black-green jade consists of altered serpentinite and sub-amphibolite serpentinite. Its primary colors are white and green; however, the infiltration of minerals such as magnetite and graphite in later stages has created a deep black-green undertone. It features a fine texture and excellent workability, with a hardness ranging from 3.5 to 5 on the Mohs scale. When polished, it exhibits a warm, oily luster.

II. Rich in Vital Elements: A Natural Treasure Trove of Trace Elements

The unique value of Xichuan Black-Green Jade lies not only in its texture and pattern but also in its rich composition of trace elements, earning it the reputation as a “natural mineral nutrition bank.” According to geological testing data, it contains as many as 26 elements, covering both macronutrients and trace elements essential to the human body:

• Key Trace Elements: These include iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), tin (Sn), vanadium (V), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), iodine (I), selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and other 12 key trace elements. Among these, the content of active magnetite reaches 6.73%, and the levels of elements such as selenium and zinc are highly aligned with human nutritional needs.

• Characteristic macronutrients: The magnesium (Mg) content is particularly notable, reaching as high as 47%—far exceeding the average level of 23% found in ordinary nephrite; it is also rich in macronutrients such as oxygen (O), carbon (C), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sodium (Na), and silicon (Si), forming a balanced elemental composition.

• Scientific Note: Although claims such as “magnetization for wellness” and “health and therapeutic benefits” circulate in the market, these should be viewed rationally—while the presence of trace elements adds unique value, the associated health benefits lack authoritative medical validation and cannot replace medical treatment. When purchasing, focus on the jade’s craftsmanship and collectible value.

III. Diversified Development and Sustainable Utilization: The Path from Resource to Industry

After more than half a century of development, Xichuan Black-Green Jade has established a complete industrial chain spanning mining, processing, and sales, becoming a vital pillar of the local economy.

• Mining and Processing System: The local area has established a standardized mining model that strictly adheres to the requirements of the *Mineral Resources Law*. Green mining technologies are employed to ensure that recovery rates for both mining and ore beneficiation meet national standards, while simultaneously implementing ecological restoration plans for mining areas. In neighboring Zhenping County, the processing industry has fostered a team of specialized technical professionals, led by Nanyang Yixin Jade Co., Ltd., which possesses integrated capabilities in design, production, processing, and wholesale.

• Diverse Product Matrix: Processed products span eight major series, including jewelry (necklaces, bracelets, pendants, zodiac figurines), bedding (jade mats, jade pillows, sofa cushions), daily necessities (tableware, tea sets), health and wellness products (health care devices), and beauty and skincare products. The industry also accepts custom processing orders based on customer drawings and samples, with products exported to the United States, Japan, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and other countries and regions. The price range is quite broad, spanning from mass-market jewelry priced at a few hundred yuan to high-end collectible carvings costing hundreds of thousands of yuan, catering to diverse consumer needs. Mid-range products priced between 2,000 and 10,000 yuan account for 28.5% of total sales.

• Market and Channel Expansion: Sales channels follow a pattern of “offline-dominated with explosive online growth.” In 2024, offline channels—such as physical stores and trade shows—accounted for 67.2% of sales, while online channels—including e-commerce platforms and live-streaming sales—accounted for 32.8%. Among these, sales through live-streaming platforms like Douyin and Kuaishou grew by 89.4% year-over-year, becoming the primary channels for young consumers to discover and purchase products. In terms of regional distribution, first-tier cities accounted for 43.6% of sales, while new first-tier cities accounted for 29.4%. At the same time, the international market is gradually expanding, with Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States serving as the primary export destinations.

• Unsustainable Development Path: The Xichuan black-green jade industry is currently undergoing an upgrade toward green production, branding, and smart manufacturing. However, on the one hand, to strictly implement the requirements of the *Mineral Resources Law* and advance the protection of groundwater resources in the upper reaches of the Danjiang River, processing plants can only source substitute materials from Qinghai, which is thousands of li away; as a result, the Black-Green Jade mines in Xichuan have now been closed. This has transformed the resource into a non-renewable one. On the other hand, the industry is enhancing added value through brand-building efforts, driving a transition from homogeneous competition toward high-quality development. In the future, the industry will also leverage digital technology to expand into new areas such as cultural and creative products and customized services.

Conclusion

Thanks to the unique geological endowments deep within the Qinling Mountains, Xichuan Black-Green Jade has become a jade variety that combines rarity, craftsmanship, and functionality. Its rich trace elements confer natural value, its well-developed industrial chain demonstrates economic vitality, and its green, sustainable development philosophy ensures the resource’s long-term viability. From deep mountain veins to exquisite collectibles, and from regional specialties to international commodities, the path of its development and utilization is a vivid example of resource conservation and industrial upgrading advancing hand in hand.

Nanyang Yixin Jade Co., Ltd. was established in 2004 in Zhenping, located in the “Hometown of Chinese Jade Carving.” The company specializes in the design and production of black jade, meteorites, and Hotan jade. It has built its own 2,000-square-meter production workshop, a 1,000-square-meter office and exhibition hall, and a 3,000-square-meter raw material yard. By 2025, the company had completed the upgrade and replacement of all its older equipment, adding multiple new band saws, large-scale multi-wire cutting machines, and 4040 high-precision computerized engraving machines, among other advanced equipment. This has enabled the company to offer high-quality products at affordable prices through its processing channels, ensuring low production costs and continuous innovation in craftsmanship! The company sources its raw materials directly from mines, guaranteeing product quality and price competitiveness right from the source!

Business Scope: Manufacturing, production, and wholesale of jewelry; jade bedding, belts, seat cushions, pillows, slippers, hats, breast pads, black jade powder, moxibustion devices, gua sha boards, toothpaste, black jade soap, pendants, bracelets, necklaces, and African jadeite jewelry. Our product range includes everyday essentials, home goods, daily necessities, professional beauty salon products, tableware, wearable accessories, and office decor. With a comprehensive selection, innovative designs, and meticulous craftsmanship, all products are guaranteed to be 100% natural. They have passed testing by the National Jewelry Testing Center and can be accompanied by corresponding certification reports. All products comply with international and national standards for jewelry and jade appraisal and testing.

Advantages of Value-Added Services: Through services such as processing provided materials, producing items based on customer samples, design, manufacturing, and customization, we ensure strict quality control at the production stage for every client who places their trust in us. We maximize raw material utilization, offering products with excellent value for money. This enables our customers to resell our products without the need for further inspection and reduces after-sales service requirements.

Service Hotline: 0377-65666333 17613766777

Address: No. 1688, West Section of Jianshe Avenue, Zhenping County, Nanyang City, Henan Province

Website: www.17613766777.com