Q2 2024 Gansu Nanhong Agate Market Analysis Report

I. Market Overview and Price Data

In the second quarter of 2024, the Gansu Nanhong agate market generally showed a steady upward trend, with high market activity, especially in high-quality materials and distinctive carved pieces. Influenced by factors such as restricted mining in the origin, scarcity of raw stones, and continuous growth in collection enthusiasm, the price of Gansu Nanhong remained firm, with some high-end products even experiencing slight increases.

Price Range and Fluctuation:

* Ordinary Material (lighter color, more cracks): Price range of 50 - 200 CNY/gram. Prices remained largely stable this quarter, with fluctuations within ±2%. Mainly used for making bead strings, small carvings, or as entry-level collectibles.
* Medium Quality Material (persimmon red, rose red, few cracks, certain gelatinous feel): 300 - 800 CNY/gram. Prices increased by approximately 5% - 8% this quarter. These products are in strong market demand and are the primary choice for general consumers and beginner collectors.
* Premium Material (full color, full flesh, persimmon red or brocade red, high gelatinous feel, no obvious cracks): 1500 - 5000 CNY/gram, or even higher. Prices increased by 10% - 15% this quarter. Among them, premium pieces reaching 'ice float' or 'frozen material' levels can reach over 8000 - 15000 CNY/gram, with each piece having a unique price determined by its scarcity and high value.
* Raw Stones (unprocessed, priced by block or kilogram): Significant quality variations, with prices ranging from 200 - 20000 CNY/kilogram. High-quality raw stone prices saw a notable increase of 8% - 12%.

Trading Volume:

The total online and offline trading volume for Gansu Nanhong agate in this quarter was approximately 1500 - 2000 kilograms (calculated by raw stone equivalent). The transaction volume of medium-quality and premium materials increased, accounting for about 60% of the total transactions. Compared to the previous quarter, the overall trading volume grew by approximately 10%.

II. Market Trend Analysis and Forecast

  • Scarcity Drives Price Increase: The resources in the Gansu Nanhong origin are increasingly depleted, and strict government restrictions on mining have led to a continuous shortage of raw stone supply. This scarcity is the core driving force supporting price increases, and it is expected that the price of high-quality Gansu Nanhong will continue to rise in the coming years.

  • Strong Collection and Investment Demand: As consumers deepen their understanding of Nanhong agate's cultural and investment value, collection and investment demand continue to grow. Especially well-preserved, pure-colored, and exquisitely carved premium Nanhong pieces will further highlight their artistic and market value.

  • Personalized Customization and Creative Carving: Market demand for personalized and customized products is increasing. Gansu Nanhong pieces with unique design concepts and exquisite carving techniques will be more favored by the market, and their added value will be higher.

  • Increased Influence of Online Channels: Live e-commerce platforms such as Douyin and Kuaishou, as well as specialized jade e-commerce platforms, have become important sales channels for Gansu Nanhong agate. The intuitiveness and interactivity of live streaming effectively narrow the distance between consumers and products, improving transaction efficiency.


Forecast: It is expected that the Gansu Nanhong agate market will continue to maintain steady growth in the second half of 2024. The price increase for premium materials may slow down but will remain high. The price of ordinary materials will fluctuate little, mainly affected by market supply and demand. Investment and collection will focus more on high-quality, distinctive, and culturally rich Gansu Nanhong.

III. Price Comparison of Different Quality Grades

| Quality Grade | Color Characteristics | Crack Situation | Gelatinous Feel | Price Range (CNY/gram) | Market Demand |
| :------------ | :----------------------- | :--------------- | :-------------- | :--------------------- | :------------ |
| Ordinary | Lighter, uneven | Many, obvious | Poor | 50 - 200 | General |
| Medium | Persimmon red, rose red | Few, not obvious | Medium | 300 - 800 | Strong |
| Premium | Full persimmon red, brocade red | Very few, none | Strong | 1500 - 5000+ | Very High |
| Top-tier | Ice float, frozen, persimmon red | None | Very Strong | 8000 - 15000+ | Scarce, high-end |

IV. Investment Advice

  • Focus on Premium Products: For investment and collection, prioritize premium Gansu Nanhong with full color, full flesh, no cracks or flaws, and pure colors (e.g., persimmon red, brocade red). These products have the greatest potential for value preservation and appreciation.

  • Pay Attention to Carving: Exquisite carving craftsmanship can greatly enhance the artistic and market value of Nanhong. Choosing works carved by renowned artists or with unique creative designs will have higher collection value.

  • Distinguish Authenticity and Optimization: The market contains Nanhong that has undergone optimization treatments such as dyeing and glue injection, as well as counterfeits. Investors must purchase through legitimate channels and request authoritative appraisal certificates from sellers.

  • Raw Stone Investment Requires Caution: Raw stone investment carries higher risks, requiring professional identification skills and processing channels. For ordinary investors, it is recommended to purchase finished or semi-finished products.

  • Long-term Holding: The value growth of Nanhong agate is a long-term process. Investors are advised to adopt a long-term perspective in their planning and avoid short-term speculative behavior.


Risk Warning: Market prices are influenced by various factors, including the macroeconomic environment, policy changes, and market preferences. Investors should fully understand market risks and invest rationally.