CLASSIFICATION, GEOLOGIC CHARACTERISTICS AND ORIGIN OF THE JADE FROM XIUYAN, LIAONING PROVINCE, CHINA

Xiuyan jade, with a long mining history as one of the four famous types of jade from China, played an important role in the development of Chinese jade culture. The jade unearthed from Xinglongwa Culture, Hongshan Culture and Longshan Cultures, as well as the jade burial suits sewn with fine gold wire from Mancheng, Hebei were all made of Xiuyan jade. This paper, based on geologic survey in the field and testing analysis, discusses the classification, gemology, geology and origin of Xiuyan jade. A metallogenic model for Xiuyan jade is established.