Progress on the nephrite sources of jade artifacts in ancient China from the perspective of isotopes

The use of isotopes is crucial for understanding the origin jade/nephrite. This article first contrasts recent studies on radioisotopes and stable contemporary nephrite deposits in China, Baikal region, South Korean Peninsula. It then reviews isotopic analysis sources artifacts ancient highlighting concentration with distinct fingerprints three significant geographic areas, Northeast Asia, Yellow River Basin, China Region. That is, regard to S‐type D‐type Chuncheon Korea as well Xiuyan Kuandian Liaoning Province can be distinguished by radioisotope mineralization age hydrogen oxygen values; Upper River, isotope method hydrogen, silicon values has potential distinguish D-type S-type Xinjiang Qinghai Province, while cannot from Hetian, Lintao/Maxianshan, Gansu Province; Fugong Yunnan Dahua Guangxi Luodian Guizhou Hualian, Chinese Taiwan. recommended that database jade materials more excavated jadewares must established, order answer archaeological questions regarding role material utilization origin, formation development culture civilization.