Colour

This is the most important factor in the quality of fashioned jadeite. As per standard colour nomenclature, jadeite's colors are best described by breaking them down into the three colour components: hue (position on the color wheel), saturation (intensity), and tone (lightness or darkness). Colour distribution must also be taken into account. The necklace in figure 23 is an excellent example of top-quality hue, saturation, tone, and colour distribution.

• Hue: Top-quality jadeite is pure green. While its hue position is usually slightly more yellow than that of fine emerald and it never quite reaches the same intensity of color, the ideal for jadeite is a fine "emerald" green. No brown or gray modifiers should be present in the finished piece.

Saturation: This is by far the most important element of green and lavender jadeite colour. The finest colors appear intense from a distance (sometimes described as "penetrating"). Side-by-side comparisons are essential to judge saturation accurately. Generally, the more saturated the hue is, the more valuable the stone will be. A related factor is referred to as cui by the Chinese. Colours with fine cui are variously described as brilliant, sharp, bright, or hot. This is the quality that makes "shocking" pink shocking and "electric" blue electric.

Tone: The ideal tone is medium – not too light or too dark.

Distribution: Ideally, colour should be completely even to the unaided eye, without spotting or veins. In lower qualities, fine root- or vein-like structures that contrast with the body color of the stone may be considered attractive. However, dull veins or roots are less desirable. Any form of mottling, dark irregular specks, or blotches that detract from the overall appearance of the stone will reduce the value.