Premium Liangshan Southern Red Agate Raw Material Supply Tightens, Market Prices Poised for Continued Ascent

【Liangshan, Sichuan】 The Liangshan Southern Red Agate mining region in Sichuan, a focal point of China's jade market, is currently undergoing a significant shift in its supply structure. Recent reports from the production front indicate a noticeable decline in the output of high-quality Southern Red Agate raw materials. This change is gradually impacting downstream markets, sparking widespread discussion about future price trends.

For a long time, Liangshan has been renowned for its richly colored and exquisitely textured Southern Red Agate, with its products holding significant importance in both domestic and international collection and jewelry markets. However, according to industry insiders, in recent years, a confluence of factors including increased mining depth, depletion of mineral veins, and stricter environmental protection policies has led to a growing scarcity of high-quality, large-sized Southern Red Agate rough stones. An anonymous mine owner from the region stated, "In previous years, we could occasionally unearth some exceptionally fine materials, but now, even with greater investment in cost and effort, it's challenging to find raw materials of that caliber."

Market Data Insight: Worsening Supply-Demand Imbalance

Preliminary estimates from industry analysis agencies suggest that since the second half of 2023, the monthly output of premium Southern Red Agate rough stones in the Liangshan area has decreased by approximately 20% to 30% year-on-year. Concurrently, market demand for high-quality Southern Red Agate remains robust, particularly in the high-end customization and collection sectors. This severe imbalance between supply and demand has directly influenced raw material prices. Data from jewelry and jade trading platforms indicates that over the past six months, the average transaction price of premium Liangshan Southern Red Agate rough stones has increased by about 15% to 25%, with some rare categories seeing surges of over 30%.

"The value of Southern Red Agate lies not only in its natural red color but also in its unique gelatinous texture and warmth. These qualities are fully embodied in premium raw materials," noted Professor Li Mingde, a senior researcher at the China Gemstone and Jade Association, in an interview with our reporter. "The current scarcity of raw materials from the origin will inevitably drive up the prices of finished products. For collectors, now might be a good time to acquire fine Southern Red Agate, but for ordinary consumers, they may face higher purchasing thresholds in the future."

Industry Response and Future Outlook

Facing the challenges of raw material supply, Southern Red Agate processing and sales enterprises are actively seeking countermeasures. Some companies are focusing on optimizing designs and improving craftsmanship, aiming to maximize the value of existing raw materials through exquisite carving and setting techniques. Simultaneously, some merchants are exploring Southern Red Agate from other origins, though it is generally believed that the unique charm of Liangshan Southern Red Agate is difficult to fully replicate.

Looking ahead, Professor Li Mingde believes that the Liangshan Southern Red Agate market will exhibit several trends:

  • Continued Price Increases: In the foreseeable future, prices for premium Southern Red Agate will likely remain on an upward trajectory, with rare categories experiencing more significant gains.

  • Focus on High-End Products: The market will place greater emphasis on the artistic value and cultural connotations of products, with finely carved, unique artworks gaining more favor.

  • Traceability and Certification: Consumer awareness of origin and quality will increase, making Southern Red Agate products with authoritative certification more competitive in the market.

  • Enhanced Investment Attributes: As resources become increasingly scarce, the investment and collection attributes of Southern Red Agate will further emerge, becoming a component of asset allocation.


Despite the challenges in raw material supply, Liangshan Southern Red Agate's unique artistic value and cultural heritage will continue to secure its place in the jade market. How various industry stakeholders respond to these changes, balancing resource protection with market demand, will be a crucial topic for discussion in the coming period.