Under the flash of Laurie Norton’s phone, the inside of the freshly cut surface became clearer. Amid the dark brown cross-section, a streak of crimson shimmered.
Someone with sharp eyes shouted, “It’s red! It’s red jadeite!”
That cry drew back the people who had just started to leave.
Laurie’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Red jadeite…? From a stone like this?”
Cutting red jadeite out of such poor-quality material was practically unheard of. Known as ruby jadeite, this rare variety appeared transparent under strong light but opaque under daylight. The fewer impurities it contained, the higher its grade—and top-tier red jadeite could rival high-ice jadeite in value.
It symbolized passion and love, often carved into heart-shaped pendants and sold at premium prices.
“Unbelievable—he actua
