What are the spots of color near the surface of a jadeite boulder called?

The spots of color near the surface of a jadeite boulder are referred to as "show points." These are distinct areas where the jadeite exhibits vibrant color due to the presence of chromium and iron that can enhance the stone's visual appeal. Show points are essential in assessing the value and quality of jadeite, as more pronounced and well-distributed show points often indicate a higher quality stone.

In adjacent contexts, other terms like color patches or inclusions don't specifically capture the unique recognition of these accentuated color spots on the surface. Inclusions typically refer to internal features that can affect a gemstone's clarity but do not pertain to surface color identification. Surface marks may also indicate scratches or wear, not the natural color hues present in the stone. Thus, recognizing show points provides insight into the aesthetics and valuation of jadeite in gemology.