Nanhong Agate (Liangshan Origin) Q2 2024 Market Analysis Report

Nanhong Agate (Liangshan Origin) Q2 2024 Market Analysis Report

I. Market Overview

In the second quarter of 2024, the Liangshan Nanhong agate market generally showed a steady upward trend. Influenced by stricter origin policies, increased difficulty in mining high-quality raw stones, and sustained strong market demand, the prices of high-quality Liangshan Nanhong remained firm, with some exquisite pieces even experiencing slight increases. While mid-to-low-end products saw higher transaction volumes, their price fluctuations were relatively stable, indicating a clear market differentiation trend.

II. Price Data Analysis

Here is the price data for Liangshan Nanhong agate in this quarter:

* Raw Stone Prices (priced per gram, for reference only, actual transactions are complex):
* High Quality (Persimmon Red, Cherry Red, Brocade Red, no obvious cracks or impurities, high translucency/gelatinization): 300-1500 RMB/gram, some extremely fine pieces can exceed 2000 RMB/gram.
* Medium Quality (Flame pattern, Ice-float material, minor impurities or cracks, acceptable translucency): 80-300 RMB/gram.
* Ordinary Quality (Water material, Banded material, more impurities, general translucency): 10-80 RMB/gram.

* Finished Product Prices (priced per piece, depending on craftsmanship, size, and appearance):
* Bead Strands (10mm diameter, high quality): 8,000-50,000 RMB/strand, exceptional pieces can exceed 100,000 RMB.
* Carvings (high quality, fine craftsmanship): Tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of RMB, master carver works can reach millions of RMB.
* Cabochons, Pendants (high quality): Several thousands to tens of thousands of RMB.

* Price Changes:
* High-quality raw stones and finished products: Approximately 3-8% quarter-on-quarter increase.
* Medium-quality raw stones and finished products: Flat or slight increase of 1-3% quarter-on-quarter.
* Ordinary-quality raw stones and finished products: Flat or slight decrease of 1-2% quarter-on-quarter.

* Trading Volume:
* The total estimated trading volume for Liangshan Nanhong agate in this quarter is 500-800 million RMB.
* Online trading platforms (e.g., Taobao, JD.com, Weipaitang) accounted for approximately 40% of the trading volume, while offline physical stores and exhibitions accounted for approximately 60%.
* Mid-to-low-end products accounted for approximately 65% of the trading volume, while high-end exquisite pieces accounted for approximately 35%.

III. Market Trend Analysis and Forecast

• Increased Scarcity of Origin Resources: The difficulty and cost of mining high-quality Liangshan Nanhong in prime mining areas continue to rise, and government protection of mineral resources is strengthening, leading to a tightening supply of high-quality raw stones. It is expected that the price of high-quality raw stones will continue to rise in the future.


• Upgraded Consumer Aesthetics: As consumers' awareness of Nanhong agate increases, their demands for quality, color, translucency, and craftsmanship are also growing. The collection and investment value of exquisite and top-grade Nanhong will become more prominent.


• Brand-oriented and Standardized Development: The market will gradually move beyond its initial wild growth phase, with branding and standardization becoming industry trends. Businesses with good reputations and quality assurance will be more favored.


• Integration of Online and Offline Development: Online live streaming, short videos, and other new media marketing methods will continue to promote the popularization and sales of Nanhong agate, but offline experiences and physical appreciation remain indispensable for high-end transactions.


• Impact of Counterfeits: The market still contains a large number of optimized, dyed, or synthetic counterfeits, causing some trouble for consumers and the market. The popularization of identification knowledge and the involvement of professional institutions will become more important.

IV. Price Comparison by Quality Grade

| Quality Grade | Color Characteristics | Translucency/Gelatinization | Cracks/Impurities | Typical Price Range (Raw Stone, RMB/gram) | Typical Price Range (Finished Product, 10mm Bead Strand, RMB/strand) |
| :------------ | :-------------------- | :-------------------------- | :---------------- | :---------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Top Grade | Persimmon Red, Brocade Red, rich and even color | Extremely high, strong gelatinous feel | Almost none | 1000-2000+ | 50000-100000+ |
| High Grade | Persimmon Red, Cherry Red, full color | High, warm and lustrous | Few minor | 300-1000 | 8000-50000 |
| Medium Grade | Flame pattern, Ice-float, Rose Red, acceptable color | Medium, some luster | Few visible | 80-300 | 2000-8000 |
| Ordinary Grade | Water material, Banded, Red-white material, lighter color | General, dry feel | More obvious | 10-80 | 500-2000 |

V. Investment Advice

• Prioritize High-Quality Exquisite Pieces: For investors and collectors, focus on exquisite Liangshan Nanhong pieces with rich color, high translucency, no cracks or impurities, and superb craftsmanship. Such products have strong potential for value preservation and appreciation.


• Pay Attention to Rare and Unique Materials: Such as full-flesh Persimmon Red, exquisite Ice-float material, and flame-patterned material with unique textures, their rarity determines their higher collection value.


• Beware of Low-Price Temptations: The market is flooded with low-priced inferior or counterfeit Nanhong. When purchasing, be extra vigilant, choose reputable merchants, and request authoritative appraisal certificates.


• Learn Identification Knowledge: Master basic Nanhong agate identification knowledge, including its origin characteristics, color classification, and translucency, to help make informed purchasing decisions.


• Focus on Long-Term Holding: The investment value of Nanhong agate is more reflected in long-term holding; short-term speculation carries higher risks. It is recommended to focus on collection and wearing, enjoying its cultural and aesthetic value.

Disclaimer: This report is based on publicly available market information and analyst judgments, and is for reference only. It does not constitute any investment advice. The market has risks, and investments should be made with caution.