Guatemalan Jadeite: Natural Type A Jade You Can Ship to the US & EU
In short
Guatemalan jadeite is genuine, natural jadeite — and because it is not covered by the Burmese import ban, it is the easy, legal choice for natural jadeite delivered to the US and EU.
What Guatemalan jadeite is
Guatemala is one of only two major sources of gem jadeite in the world, alongside Myanmar. Its jadeite has been worked since the ancient Maya and Olmec civilisations and includes fine green, blue-green, lavender and the rare translucent "Olmec blue". It is the same mineral as Burmese jadeite — true jade.
Why it matters for US and EU buyers
The United States and the European Union restrict imports of Burmese (Myanmar) jadeite. Guatemalan jadeite is not subject to those restrictions, so it can be shipped legally to US and EU addresses. For many of our overseas customers, that makes it the practical choice for natural jadeite.
Guatemalan vs Burmese jadeite
| Feature | Guatemalan | Burmese |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral | Natural jadeite | Natural jadeite |
| Signature colours | Green, blue-green, lavender, Olmec blue | Vivid imperial green, lavender |
| Top-tier colour | Excellent, rarely the very highest | Produces the world's best imperial green |
| US / EU import | Allowed | Restricted |
| Value | Strong, often more affordable | Can be extremely high |
Buying with confidence
Ask for the origin and a certificate confirming natural Type A jadeite. We label the origin on every piece, so you can choose Guatemalan jadeite for straightforward US/EU delivery, or other origins where rules allow.
Frequently asked questions
Is Guatemalan jadeite real jade?
Yes. Guatemalan jadeite is genuine, natural jadeite — the same mineral as Burmese jadeite. Guatemala is one of the world's two major jadeite sources and produces fine green, blue-green, lavender and rare 'Olmec blue' material.
Why does Guatemalan jadeite matter for US and EU buyers?
The US and EU restrict imports of Burmese (Myanmar) jadeite. Guatemalan jadeite is not subject to those restrictions, so it is the simpler, fully legal choice for buyers who want natural jadeite delivered to the US or EU.
How does Guatemalan jadeite compare to Burmese?
Burmese jadeite produces the very top 'imperial' greens, but the finest Guatemalan material is beautiful and often more affordable, with distinctive greens, blue-greens and lavenders. Both are natural jadeite when sold as Type A.
Is Guatemalan jadeite Type A?
It can be — Type A simply means natural and untreated. As with any jadeite, insist on a certificate confirming Type A so you know it has not been bleached, dyed or polymer-filled.
Looking for a specific piece?
Browse our certified, Type A collection or send us an enquiry.
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