Diamonds in Agate — Southern Red Agate

Southern red agate, known as red jade in ancient times, is a precious agate unique to China. The gem is found mainly in the southwestern part of the country, Baoshan (Yunnan province) and Liangshan (Sichuan province) are the two best-known production locations of southern red agate stones.

Noble and Elegant, Rosy and Supple Like Jade

Southern red agate is famous all over the world for its rich red color and supple texture. The “red” of southern red agate is varied, typically including brocade red, rose red, cherry red, cinnabar red, and persimmon red. In addition, there are also red-white and black-red colorations. The beautiful textures in some reds, such as cinnabar red, show a unique flame pattern, and tawny red is interwoven with different shades of red texture. Southern red agate is deeply loved by royal families and nobles of all dynasties for its noble and elegant color and warm, delicate feel. It is also known as “diamond in agate” because of its ruddy-like jade texture, porcelain feel, good light transmission, and bright color.

Rare Deposits

During the Qing Dynasty, southern red agate produced in Baoshan, Yunnan, was the mining site exclusively for the royal family and was considered to be the only true southern red agate. However, “If there are no cracks, it’s not Baoshan material.” Not only was the southern red agate mined in Baoshan small in size, but most had cracks. Finding good material that could be carved or made into beads was rare. Because it was the only mining area and the fact that there was a lack of quality material, the yield rate of gem-grade southern red agate was extremely low, and was considered extinct in the late Qing Dynasty.

In recent years, gem-quality southern red agate was discovered in Liangshan, Sichuan, thus reappearing in the world. Liangshang southern red agate has few cracks and is beautiful in color, and was widely loved once discovered. However, due to the large demand and the small mineral deposits, the southern red agate resources in Liangshan decreased sharply in just a dozen years after the discovery. Today, the value of southern red agate continues to rise, and it has shown a tripartite trend with jadeite and Hetian jade (also known as Hotan jade).

Nourishment and Protection

Southern red agate contains warm energy and, when worn frequently, can nourish the heart and blood, improve cold or cool physiques, and is especially beneficial for relieving a cold uterus, and cold hands and feet. At the same time, it can also help regulate blood pressure, calm the heart rate, moisturize the skin, relieve tension and soothe nerves, and improve the quality of sleep.

The red color of southern red agate is pure, with strong yang energy. As one of the Seven Treasures of Buddhism, southern red agate is not only a good treasure to ward off evil spirits, but is also considered a gem that can communicate with the gods. Therefore, whether it is worn on the body or placed in the home, southern red agate can bring peace and auspiciousness.