If they chose the latter, the stone master used a large saw machine, equipped with a continuous flow of water to ensure smooth cutting and prevent the blade from getting stuck, especially for larger stones.
The stones in this area ranged from $500 to $2,000. For those with a keen eye or exceptional skill in identifying stones with potential jadeite, the rewards could be substantial. If they were fortunate enough to find a rare or high-quality piece, they could potentially earn up to $5,000, depending on the jade's rarity and size.
The price of jade can increase significantly based on its purity. Despite the slim chances of finding a valuable piece, many are drawn to this form of gambling, often using their family's savings in hopes of striking it rich.
There was even a case where someone bought a stone for $1,000, only to discover that it contained a high-purity white jade with exceptional luster. Upon seeing its quality, another buyer offered three times the original price.
