Nanhong Agate (Liangshan Origin) Q2 2024 Market Analysis Report

Executive Summary: In Q2 2024, the Liangshan Nanhong Agate market generally showed a stable yet upward trend. Prices for high-quality rough stones and finished products remained strong, while trading activity for mid-to-low-end products increased. As market recognition of Nanhong's cultural value grows, investment and collection demand has steadily risen.

I. Market Price Data Analysis

This quarter, Liangshan Nanhong Agate market prices demonstrated a structural increase, particularly for premium and rare varieties.

* Rough Stone Prices:
* High Quality (Persimmon Red, Cherry Red, no cracks or impurities, full texture): Price range 1500 - 5000 CNY/gram, an increase of approximately 5% - 10% from the previous quarter. Some top-tier collector-grade rough stones even exceeded 8000 CNY/gram.
* Medium Quality (Brocade Red, Rose Red, minor cracks/impurities, decent texture): Price range 300 - 1200 CNY/gram, an increase of approximately 3% - 5% from the previous quarter.
* Ordinary Quality (Red and White material, Frozen material, many cracks, obvious impurities): Price range 50 - 280 CNY/gram, prices relatively stable with a slight increase.

* Finished Product Prices:
* Premium Carvings/Bead Strands (Masterpieces, rare colors, perfect condition): Price range 5000 - 30000 CNY/piece (or 2000-8000 CNY/gram), an increase of approximately 8% - 15% from the previous quarter. Among these, full-flesh Persimmon Red and flame-patterned bead strands performed particularly well.
* Mid-range Carvings/Bead Strands (Excellent craftsmanship, pure color, good condition): Price range 800 - 4500 CNY/piece (or 300-1500 CNY/gram), an increase of approximately 5% - 8% from the previous quarter.
* Ordinary Carvings/Bead Strands (Daily wear, entry-level collection): Price range 100 - 700 CNY/piece (or 50-250 CNY/gram), prices relatively stable with a larger trading volume.

* Trading Volume:
* The overall trading volume for Liangshan Nanhong Agate in this quarter increased by approximately 15% compared to the previous quarter. Online trading platforms and live-streaming sales contributed significantly, accounting for over 40%.
* Trading activity for high-quality rough stones and premium finished products continued to rise, with sustained enthusiasm for scarce resources.

II. Market Trend Analysis and Forecast

  • Premiumization Trend is Obvious: Market awareness of Nanhong Agate is continuously improving. Consumers and collectors are more inclined to purchase high-quality, distinctive, and culturally rich premium items. In the future, prices for premium Nanhong will continue to remain strong or even increase.

  • Cultural Value Driven: As an important part of traditional Chinese jade culture, the cultural connotations and collection value of Nanhong Agate are increasingly prominent. With the rise of 'Guochao' (China Chic) culture, Nanhong's cultural added value will be further enhanced, attracting more young consumers.

  • Origin Advantage Highlighted: Liangshan Nanhong, due to its unique color and texture, dominates the Nanhong market. As high-quality mineral resources become increasingly scarce, Nanhong from the Liangshan origin will hold greater collection value.

  • Online Channels Continue to Drive Growth: E-commerce platforms, live-streaming sales, and other online sales models will continue to be important growth drivers for the Nanhong Agate market, providing consumers with more convenient purchasing channels and promoting price transparency.

  • Future Forecast: It is expected that the Liangshan Nanhong Agate market will continue to maintain steady growth in the next six months. Prices for high-quality Nanhong still have room for appreciation, while mid-to-low-end products will maintain active trading. However, caution should be exercised against market speculation, and rational investment is advised.


III. Price Comparison by Quality Grade

| Quality Grade | Rough Stone Price (CNY/gram) | Finished Product Price (CNY/gram or piece) | Description |
| :------------ | :--------------------------- | :---------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Top Tier | 1500 - 8000+ | 2000 - 8000+ (per gram) | Persimmon Red, Cherry Red, full flesh, no cracks, no impurities, strong gelatinous feel, rare colors, master carving. |
| High Grade | 300 - 1200 | 300 - 1500 (per gram) | Brocade Red, Rose Red, minor cracks/impurities, full texture, excellent craftsmanship. |
| Mid Grade | 50 - 280 | 50 - 250 (per gram) | Red and White material, Frozen material, some cracks or impurities, decent color, ordinary craftsmanship. |
| Ordinary | 10 - 40 | 10 - 40 (per gram) | Poor material quality, many cracks, obvious impurities, impure color, mostly used for scraps or primary processing. |

IV. Investment Recommendations

  • Prioritize High-Quality Premiums: For investors, focus on rare colors like Persimmon Red and Cherry Red, as well as full-flesh, crack-free, impurity-free premium rough stones and exquisitely carved, perfectly conditioned finished products. These items have strong potential for value preservation and appreciation.

  • Pay Attention to Masterpieces: Master-level carved works with artistic and cultural value often command prices far beyond the material itself, making them excellent choices for long-term investment.

  • View the Market Rationally: Avoid blindly following market speculation and maintain rational judgment on price fluctuations. Before purchasing, it is recommended to compare multiple sources, understand market conditions, and seek professional appraisal.

  • Be Aware of Origin and Authenticity: Liangshan Nanhong is highly sought after for its unique quality, but there are also fakes or Nanhong from non-Liangshan origins in the market. Always choose reputable merchants and request official appraisal certificates.

  • Focus on Long-Term Holding: The value growth of Nanhong Agate is a gradual process. Investors are advised to focus on long-term holding to enjoy the appreciation derived from its cultural significance and scarcity.


Conclusion: The Liangshan Nanhong Agate market performed well in Q2 2024, with premiumization and cultural value driving the main trends. Investors should seize market opportunities, prioritize high-quality products, and maintain a rational investment mindset to achieve steady returns.