Dulong Jade Sculpture - Handcrafted decorative piece made from Dulong Jade, showcasing intricate carving and unique green inclusions.
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Dulong Jade: The Rising “Ice-Glutinous Green Jadeite Alternative” from China

Dulong Jade Bangle - A unique Chinese gemstone, often called an "ice-glutinous green jadeite alternative," with natural green inclusions and quartzite structure.

A few days ago, Peonyjewels introduced one of the most talked-about jadeite substitutes—African Jade.
If you missed that guide, you can learn more about common jadeite alternatives and how to identify them here:

These differences make identification straightforward with simple magnification.

Today, we continue the conversation about popular jade alternatives and take a closer look at another newcomer that has drawn increasing attention in recent years: Dulong Jade.
Because of its white base and floating green patterns, many sellers market it as “China’s local jadeite” or even the “perfect lookalike of white-base icy jadeite.”
But what exactly is Dulong Jade—and can it truly replace jadeite? Let’s find out.

What Is Dulong Jade? A New Gemstone Discovered in Yunnan

Yunnan is one of China’s richest regions in mineral and gemstone resources:

  • 143 types of minerals have been identified
  • 86 have proven reserves
  • 61 rank among China’s top ten
  • And 25 rank in the national top three

From Baoshan red agate and Longling yellow dragon jade to Wenshan emerald, Ailao Mountain ruby, tourmaline, aquamarine, and more, Yunnan’s gemstone diversity is remarkable.

Raw Dulong Jade Rough - Natural Chinese quartzite stone with green fuchsite inclusions, often used as a jadeite alternative.

In recent years, another stone from the China–Myanmar border in Gongshan County, Nujiang Prefecture, has entered the market—Dulong Jade.
With its white base and floating green or grey-green patches, it often resembles certain types of icy or glutinous jadeite, yet it remains far more affordable. This combination quickly made it popular among collectors of niche Chinese gemstones.

The Truth About Dulong Jade: A Quartzite Gemstone

Despite its jadeite-like appearance, Dulong Jade is not jadeite.
It is technically a quartzite jade (quartzite rock composed mainly of quartz and mica).

🟩 What Exactly Is Quartzite Jade?

Dulong Jade Rough - Coarse-grained quartzite with visible granular structure, characteristic of Dulong Jade's natural texture.
Dulong Jade Rough Under Light - The green color originates from chromium-rich mica inclusions distributed between the quartz grains in the stone.
  • Single-crystal quartz = rock crystal (clear quartz)
  • Quartz aggregates vary depending on crystal size:
    • Coarse-grained (macrocrystalline): aventurine, “Xiu Yu,” etc.
    • Fine-grained (cryptocrystalline): chalcedony, agate

Dulong Jade belongs to the coarse-grained quartzite group. Its grainy structure is visible to the naked eye.

Quartzite Mica Inclusions - Green color sourced from chromium-rich mica distributed between quartz grains, creating unique green inclusions.

Its green color comes from chrome-rich fuchsite mica distributed between quartz grains.
This is why shades may range from fresh green to bluish-green or grey-green.

Gemological Properties

Coarse-grained Quartzite Sample for Testing - Showing the visible granular structure of quartzite, typically used for gemological analysis.
  • Composition: >90% quartz + 5–10% fuchsite mica
  • Refractive index: 1.54+
  • Specific gravity: 2.60–2.80
  • Hardness: 6.5–7
  • Fracture: conchoidal
  • Luster: glassy (not as bright as jadeite)

Under magnification, you may observe:

Dulong Jade Under Microscope - Granular structure with layered color distribution and color roots, showcasing the natural green mica inclusions and pyrite spots.
Granular structure with layered color distribution and color roots,showcasing the natural green mica inclusions and pyrite spots.
Dulong Jade Polished Surface Under Magnification - Coarse-grained texture showing visible pitting and natural imperfections on the polished surface.
Coarse-grained texture showing visible pitting and natural imperfections on the polished surface.
  • “sandy” pits
  • golden pyrite inclusions
  • directional green mica streaks
  • occasional aventurescence (shimmering effect)

Is Dulong Jade a Type of Aventurine Quartz?

Many people immediately think of aventurine quartz when they notice the sparkling golden inclusions in Dulong Jade.

In fact, Dulong Jade can indeed be classified within the broader family of aventurine quartz.

🟦 Understanding Aventurine Quartz

  • Historically, it referred specifically to green quartzite from India containing chrome mica and visible aventurescence.
  • Modern gemology uses a broader definition:
    Any coarse-grained quartzite colored by accessory minerals can fall into the aventurine quartz category—regardless of color or origin (green, red, purple, blue, etc.).

Therefore:

When tested, Dulong Jade is typically identified as “quartzite jade,” with remarks such as Dulong Jade / aventurine quartz.
Seeing “aventurine” on a certificate is normal and correct.

Dulong Jade vs. Jadeite: Are They Really Similar?

Jadeite vs Dulong Jade Bangle Comparison - At first glance, this white-base green patterned stone may resemble ice jade or glutinous jade, but their internal structure and optical properties are very different.

At first glance, the white-base green pattern does resemble icy or glutinous jadeite.
However, their internal structures and optical qualities are fundamentally different.

For a deeper understanding of jadeite and its unique qualities, check out our blog posts:

These guides will help you better appreciate jadeite’s true beauty and how to identify its quality.

1. Color

  • Jadeite: bright, vivid, saturated greens
  • Dulong Jade: cooler tones—bluish-green, greyish-green, or dark green

2. Internal Structure (the main difference)

  • Jadeite (glutinous/icy types): interlocking fibrous crystal structure
  • Dulong Jade: granular quartzite with oriented fuchsite streaks + pyrite dots
Green Quartzite White Base with Aventurescence - Magnified view of the quartzite granular structure, with directional green inclusions and yellow pyrite inclusions creating aventurescence.

The difference under magnification is unmistakable.

3. Luster & Refractive Index

  • Jadeite RI: 1.65–1.67 → stronger brilliance
  • Dulong Jade RI: 1.54+ → softer shine

4. Density and “Feel”

Coarse-grained Green Quartzite Polished Surface - Magnified view showing small pits and imperfections on the surface, typical of rougher quartzite crystals.
  • Jadeite SG: 3.30–3.36 → heavier, more solid
  • Dulong Jade SG: 2.60–2.80 → noticeably lighter in larger pieces

5. Sound Test

  • Dulong Jade: crisp, agate-like sound
  • Jadeite: deeper, more mellow tone

Dulong Jade vs Dyed Quartzite

Natural Quartz vs Dyed Quartz Bangle Comparison - Natural quartz may be mistakenly identified as dyed quartz, commonly known as "Malaysian Jade."

Because both are quartzite-based materials, Dulong Jade is sometimes confused with dyed quartzite—the common “Malaysia Jade.”

Features of Dyed Quartzite

Dyed Quartz Under Magnification - Visible dye between grains, forming a "net-like" or "gourd fiber" pattern, with artificial, overly uniform color distribution.
Dyed Quartz Under Magnification - Detailed view of "gourd fiber" pattern in dyed quartz, showing artificial dye distribution and fiber-like structures between grains.
  • Dye visible between grains under magnification
  • “Net-like” or “loofah fiber” patterns
  • Artificial, overly uniform color

Features of Natural Quartzite

  • Natural color roots
  • Layered color distribution
  • Abundant natural inclusions
  • No dye seepage

These differences make identification straightforward with simple magnification.

Is Dulong Jade Worth Buying?—Peonyjewels’ Perspective

Peonyjewels natural quartz bangle featuring unique green inclusions and a smooth polished finish.

The quartzite remains a niche gemstone due to its remote origin and limited awareness.
High-quality bangles often fall in the mid-range price bracket—higher than typical quartzite jade but far lower than jadeite.

However, it is essential to remain rational:

Dulong Jade may resemble jadeite, but it is not jadeite—and should not be priced or judged as such.

Understanding the true nature of each gemstone allows buyers to appreciate their unique beauty without misconceptions.

For more on jadeite and navigating the jade market, check out PeonyJewels blog post: Jadeite Buying Guide: How to Understand Jade Trade Terms Before You Buy. It will help you make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.

Final Thoughts — and What We Offer at Peonyjewels

To summarize, Dulong Jade is a beautiful and intriguing gemstone—a natural quartzite with unique green patterns, shimmering inclusions, and a jade-like appearance. While it can be a visually appealing alternative to jadeite, it belongs to a completely different gemological category.

At Peonyjewels, we believe in celebrating each gemstone for what it truly is.
Alongside our educational content, we also offer:

✨ Custom jewelry services
✨ Handmade vintage earrings and artisan pieces

If you are looking for thoughtful craftsmanship, natural gems, or personalized designs, Peonyjewels is always here to help you create something meaningful and uniquely yours.

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