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Subject:Jade Tiger (Or Chinese Unicorn Kirin) Puzzle
Posted By: Smile4Me Tue, Aug 04, 2015 IP: 97.94.247.52

I have a 10 pieces.

I just want to know if it's a Tiger or a Chinese Unicorn and year if possible.

Not even sure it's jade, could be serpentine, but its cold to the touch.

Thank you







Subject:Re: Jade Tiger (Or Chinese Unicorn Kirin) Puzzle
Posted By: Rogério Cezar de Cerqueira Leite Wed, Aug 05, 2015

This puzzle seems to be a Chimera figure. The usage of Chimera figures was very common since the Han Dinasty, extending its recurrence until Ming Dinasty.
It is frequently represented with the head of a lion, body of a goat and tail of a serpent.
The better way to define the kind of stone is to measure the density of the material by buonancy (following the Archimedes' principle). You could also measure the hardness of the stone, but this is a very intrusive method.
Density (specific gravity) for serpentine reports values between 2.4 to 2.7, values of 2.9 to 3.1 for nephrite, and values of 3.1 to 3.5 for jadeite.

Best Regards,
Prof. Rogério

Subject:Re: Jade Tiger (Or Chinese Unicorn Kirin) Puzzle
Posted By: Smile4Me Thu, Aug 06, 2015

Oh, thank you! I never knew it to be a Chimera.

I have one last question, should I leave the puzzle on a flat surface? Or should I have a custom box and fittings made? I like admiring it and want to keep it in best condition as possible.


Subject:Re: Jade Tiger (Or Chinese Unicorn Kirin) Puzzle
Posted By: Ernest Wilhelm Sat, Aug 08, 2015

Please do the scratch test..remember...with a strong needle, with enough force make a small 2-3 mm scratch.Then tell us if this tiny scratch is white or black.
Ernest

Subject:Re: Jade Tiger (Or Chinese Unicorn Kirin) Puzzle
Posted By: Super Sun, Aug 09, 2015

They appeared to be made of serpentine with possible artificial weathering. However, without personally examining them, I cannot know for sure.


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