Overview of Ancient Jade Ware in Guizhou and Analysis of Jade Origin

Abstract:

Using archaeological findings as clues， in combination with literature research and comparison with naked eyes， and supplemented by advanced instruments testing， this paper analyzes the epochal characteristics and material of jade unearthed in Guizhou. The original raw materials of these jade ware are versatile and have different characteristics in different ages and areas. Before the Han Dynasty， there were few nephrite ware in Guizhou. After that， the number of Xinjiang nephrite artifacts had the dominant position. Based on the geological and mineralogical analysis of malachite and nephrite from Luodian， Guizhou， the possibility that the jade were from local source in early ancient Guizhou was discussed. The content of Na₂O and K₂O in the chemical composition of nephrite from Luodian， Guizhou is high， while the content of Al₂O₃ and MnO is low， which is obviously different from the chemical composition of nephrite from other ancient regions.