On July 31, 2017, the National Standardization Administration officially released the national standard GB/T 34098-2017, "Classification and Nomenclature of Quartz Jade," in the 20th National Standard Announcement of 2017. This standard was proposed and led by the Jewelry and Jade Ornament Management Center of the Ministry of Natural Resources (National Jewelry and Jade Quality Supervision and Inspection Center NGTC) and will come into effect on February 1, 2018.

The national standard “Classification and Nomenclature of Quartzite Jade” divides quartzite jade into three major categories (macrocrystalline quartzite jade, cryptocrystalline quartzite jade, and quartzite jade exhibiting silica-altered pseudomorphs), and further sub-divides them into seven varieties (quartzite jade, chalcedony, agate, jasper, wood petrified stone, silicified wood, and silicified coral). The standard clearly defines terms such as the basic nomenclature and commercial nomenclature for quartzite jade, outlines the key characteristics of the seven varieties of quartzite jade, specifies rules for naming and representing quartzite jade, and provides a comparative table of basic and commercial nomenclature for quartzite jade. According to this standard, in the identification certificate for quartzite jade, the name of the jade may be indicated either solely by the “basic nomenclature” or jointly by both the “basic nomenclature” and the “commercial nomenclature.” The basic nomenclature must be prominently displayed, while the commercial nomenclature should not be used alone; instead, it may be noted in the remarks section as “Commercial Name: XXX.”

In recent years, the share of quartzite jade in China’s jewelry market has been steadily expanding. Many regions have given locally produced quartzite jade different names, and some even introduced local standards to govern its use. However, the fact that jade made from the same material bears different names has caused considerable confusion among consumers and created market chaos. The issuance of the national standard “Classification and Naming of Quartzite Jade” provides a solid basis for the classification and naming of quartzite jade. This standard scientifically regulates the nomenclature and usage of quartzite jade, playing a crucial role in standardizing China’s quartzite jade market and promoting local economic development.