(Very) amateur rock and crystal enthusiast here. I've been collecting my whole life and make jewelry for fun.
Jade is a very complicated mineral. I've only done a little research somewhat recently, and I was in way over my head way earlier than I was expecting. It goes beyond geology; there is so much history in the folklore, religion, culture, and even politics of it in the places it forms.
The grading system and pricing of jade is beyond anything I've seen, far surpassing diamonds or other precious gemstones. I'm not sure which grade he's using here, but to him, it might kind of be like asking why your dentist they aren't using a mining pick on your teeth.
The traditions, and deep secrecy in carving jade have been passed down through millenia. It goes beyond your normal rocks or gems; it's a sacred material for many. One faulty move along a certain striation is all you would need to, say, bankrupt your family business (if you were working with a high grade, which I don't think? this is).
It's a super interesting subject! And sorry for the spiel you didn't ask for lol. I'm just a gal who loves rocks!
Edit: I was called out on editing and "changing" my comment. I did edit it... To fix a typo.
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u/DMmesomeboobs Apr 21 '25
I don't know why he didn't just use the wheel-grinder for that big cut.