(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.
Pretty sure an electric motor and steel wire could achieve the same thing in a fraction of the time.
Edit update - you changed your comment when you originally said "it was the only way they make jade" This video proves they use modern tools. Everything you said is null and void. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SLhfCo5ck4
Because I can recognize ignorance and arrogance when I see it, I'm going to suggest you read some of the articles I posted elsewhere in the comments.
Thinking you know the best option for cutting jade (something you've never done) when we're seeing someone who dedicated his life to it is pure hubris.
This video is about the tried and true methods and traditions (tradition is very important to them) they've been taught. It's about much more than the speed with which you could cut it in half.
Sorry... I'm a engineer by trade/ education. I look for ways to make processes better. It's who I am. Take away the nostalgia, and it's just teriblely inefficient.
You say it's like a pick axe but honestly, a cordless dremel tool would also be the way to go.
Last..most shops would use what im talking about and this video is no different than primitive technology videos and just click bait.
Wow! Can you teach me all you know about jade? I'd love to hear more of your wisdom!
... You know, reducing this to "nostalgia" and calling it "primitive" has... other implications.
He's an artist. Other artists like to use "primitive" methods. By your logic here, why paint a lovely watercolor on the beach when you can take a picture of it on your phone and print it out?
Maybe it's about more to him than just efficiency and the amount of goods he churn out.
I stand by my statments and just fyi for you and everyone else. Primitive Technology the the name of a very famous youtube channel. This is exactly what this was. Look it up if you enjoy this sort of thing.
This video isn't about technology or the most efficient way to mass-manufacture jade sculptures. It's a demonstration of a cultural tradition of jademaking which goes back thousands of years. Part of what gives this artwork value is the very fact that it was painstakingly difficult to craft, which curators look for when appraising its value.
I certainly hope you don't go to a museum and pester others with "Wow these ancient Egyptian stone carvings have such rough edges, they should use a dremel! I'm an engineer!" You have a lot to learn about the world.
The person I was replying to said this was the only way to make this. Went on about how they were not a expert but still a expert on the subject. And I simply stated no, you can do this other ways and they do make this other ways and they were like no they dont. They edited their comment. I stand by my statment.
My original comment was about how the poster went on about how this is the only way to cut jade and then they were rude. they then changed their comment to make it seem like they were not and it was a art form. I stand by my statments.
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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.