Jade has been valued for centuries, particularly in China, where it symbolizes purity and status.
Known for its striking green color, jade also comes in white, lavender, and other shades. Its quality is graded A, B, and C, depending on how it’s been treated.
Its cultural and financial significance makes it a sought-after gemstone, but also a target for imitation.
Distinguishing real jade from fake is essential for buyers, collectors, and jewelers to avoid overpaying for imitations. Fake jade is often made from glass or plastic, and without proper knowledge, it’s easy to be misled.
This guide provides practical methods to help identify genuine jade, ranging from simple tests like visual inspections and sound tests to advanced techniques.
With the rise of fake jade flooding the market, it’s crucial to learn how to identify and differentiate real jade from fake jade.
Types of Jade
Jadeite
Jadeite is the rarer and more valuable form of jade, primarily sourced from Myanmar. It is known for its vibrant colors, especially the prized imperial green, and its high translucency.
With a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, jadeite is tougher and more resistant to damage, making it highly sought after.
Jadeite comes in various colors, including lavender, red, and yellow, but green remains the most coveted.
Nephrite
Nephrite is the more common type of jade, traditionally used in Chinese artifacts. It has a softer, waxier appearance and ranges in color from deep green to milky white.
Slightly softer than jadeite, with a hardness of 6 to 6.5, nephrite is still durable and widely available, sourced from regions like China and Canada.
Though less valuable, nephrite is still appreciated for its beauty and durability.
Differences Between Jadeite and Nephrite
- Jadeite is harder, rarer, and more vibrant in color, making it more expensive.
- Nephrite is softer, with a waxier texture and more uniform color.
Common Ways to Test Jade Authenticity
1. Visual Inspection
Real jade has natural color variations and a smooth, waxy texture. It is semi-translucent, allowing some light to pass through. Fake jade, often made from glass or plastic, may appear overly uniform in color and too transparent or opaque.
Look for a smooth, vibrant color that reflects light like water. Genuine jade often has a rich, lively hue that is neither fully opaque nor fully transparent. Instead, it typically has a balance of both, with a sheen that resembles light reflecting off water.
If the color appears dull or flat, it’s likely a fake. While jade can sometimes be completely opaque, these stones are usually of lower value. Also, if you notice air bubbles inside the stone, it’s probably not real.
Real jade is classified as Type A, B, or C based on treatments used to enhance its color:
- Type A is untreated, natural jade with only a wax coating to enhance shine.
- Type B has been chemically bleached to remove impurities and injected with a polymer for strength.
- Type C is both bleached and dyed to improve color, but it may fade or discolor over time.
2. Sound Test
When tapped with a hard object, real jade produces a clear, bell-like sound due to its dense structure. In contrast, fake jade, such as glass or plastic, makes a dull, flat noise.
Tap the suspected jade stone against a real piece of jade to assess its density. Gently strike the two stones together several times and listen to the sound.
Real jade produces a deep, resonant sound due to its hardness. If the stones make a sound similar to plastic beads, the suspected stone is likely fake.
If you don’t have real jade, you can try this test with another stone, but keep in mind it may not be as accurate as using genuine jade for comparison.
3. Scratch Test
Real jade (especially jadeite) is hard and cannot be scratched by metal or glass. If the stone is easily scratched, it is likely fake. However, this test should be done carefully to avoid damaging valuable pieces.
The scratch test is a quick and simple method to check if your jade bracelet is authentic. Real jade is extremely hard, with a rating between 6.0 and 7.0 on the Mohs scale, meaning everyday metal objects like steel (which rates 5.0) cannot scratch it.
To perform the test, gently scratch the surface of the bracelet with a steel object, such as a knife or needle. If it leaves a noticeable mark, the jade is likely fake.
Genuine jade should not show any visible scratches from steel. No powdery residue should come off during the test—if it does, the jade is either fake or of very low quality.
4. Temperature Test
Genuine jade remains cool to the touch longer than fake materials like plastic or glass. Hold the jade in your hand—if it warms up quickly, it is probably fake.
Place the stone against your face or neck to check if it feels cool. Genuine jade is naturally cold to the touch and should feel noticeably cool against your skin.
If it doesn’t, it might be fake. Even after holding the stone for a few minutes or rubbing it against your skin, real jade should remain cool and not warm up easily.
Hold the stone in your hand and try to warm it up. Wrap your hand around the stone and squeeze it for 1-2 minutes. After this time, check if the stone still feels cool.
Genuine jade should remain cool, while a fake stone will likely warm up. Though some fake stones may also feel cool, this test can still help you differentiate between real and imitation jade.
5. Density Test
Real jade feels heavier than it looks due to its density. Fake jade, especially glass imitations, tends to feel lighter. A comparison of weight to similar-sized jade pieces can be a useful check.
If you’re unsure about the authenticity of a jade bracelet, try tossing it lightly in the air and catching it.
Genuine jade should feel heavier due to its high density—nephrite jade has a density of 2.90-3.03, while jadeite is 3.30-3.38. Toss and catch it a few times to get a sense of its weight. A fake bracelet made from glass or other materials will feel noticeably lighter.
While the toss (or density) test isn’t foolproof, it’s a popular and quick way to gauge whether the jade might be real or fake.
6. Magnification Test
Under magnification, real jade shows natural fibrous or granular textures, while fake jade, such as glass, tends to have a smoother surface without these internal patterns.
Advanced Techniques
Let a Jeweler Examine Your Jade
A certified gemologist can provide a reliable assessment of jade using specialized tools to examine color, texture, and internal structures. They also perform precise measurements of hardness and density. Though this service comes at a cost, it is crucial for verifying high-value jade and ensuring authenticity.
Request a density test from your jeweler. They can measure the stone’s density by using a spring scale and a water displacement method, then compare the results to a jade density chart. If the density matches the standard range for real jade, your stone is likely authentic. If not, it’s probably fake.
If you’re unsure about the process, ask the jeweler how they conduct the density test. They may even allow you to observe the test being performed.
Jewelers are trained to distinguish between real and fake gemstones, and they can use magnifiers to inspect the stone’s structure and look for signs of imitation. They will assess its properties and let you know if it’s genuine.
Usually, these tests are done while you wait. It can also be helpful to consult more than one jeweler to get multiple opinions on the authenticity of the stone.
Laboratory Tests
For definitive results, laboratory tests like X-ray diffraction and spectral analysis can identify jade’s unique crystal structure and light absorption properties.
These tests also detect treatments, such as dyeing or polymer injections, commonly used in fake jade.
While costly, lab tests are the most accurate way to confirm a jade’s authenticity, especially for valuable pieces.
Get a Professional Valuation for Your Jade
One advantage of consulting a jeweler is receiving an estimate of your jade’s value.
The jeweler can assess both the stone and its setting if it’s part of a jewelry piece. Ask for an estimate of how much the jade could sell for and whether its value might increase over time.
Remember, this valuation is only an estimate. It’s a good idea to consult multiple jewelers to get a more accurate sense of your stone’s worth.
Common Types of Fake Jade
Glass Imitations
Glass is a common jade imitation, often dyed to mimic jade’s color. It tends to be shinier and more uniform, lacking the depth and texture of real jade.
Under magnification, glass may show bubbles or streaks, and it feels lighter and warmer than genuine jade. It also fails the sound test, producing a dull thud instead of a clear ring.
Treated or Dyed Jade
Treated jade, or “B jade,” involves bleaching and filling with polymers to enhance clarity and color. Dyed jade, often overly vibrant, loses value over time.
While still real jade, these treated stones are less valuable and can be identified through chemical tests or UV light exposure.
Composite Jade (Jade Simulants)
Composite jade, or “C jade,” is made from crushed jade mixed with resins. It looks inconsistent, with uneven colors and textures, and is much lighter than real jade.
The bonding agents may be visible, revealing it as a cheaper, less durable alternative to authentic jade.
Popular Imitation Jade Varieties
Several gemstones resemble jade but are made of different materials. These imitation jades are sold at cheaper prices and are often mistaken for the real thing.
Knowing these lookalikes can help you identify genuine jade more easily:
Serpentine Jade (New Jade, Korean Jade, Olive Jade)
Serpentine is a common jade substitute due to its similar coloration, ranging from green to brown and yellow.
However, it’s softer than real jade and won’t pass the scratch test. Under the light, serpentine often shows a white cloud-like shape inside, making it easier to identify.
Transvaal Jade (Grossular Garnet, South African Jade)
Grossular garnet, often marketed as “Transvaal jade,” comes in green, red, and yellow, though pure grossular is white.
The green variation resembles jade, but the “jade” label is mainly a marketing tactic. Grossular garnet is popular as a birthstone for February, particularly for Aquarius and Pisces signs.
Prehnite
Prehnite is a brittle crystal that can resemble jade with its light green to yellow hues. It has a glassy appearance with a pearly gloss. While it may look like jade, its brittleness makes it easy to differentiate.
Malaysia Jade
Often mistaken for high-quality jade, Malaysia jade is actually translucent quartz.
It can be dyed in various colors, including blue, red, and yellow, making it popular in Southeast Asia. Its bright hues and variety of shades help distinguish it from real jade.
Australian Jade (Chrysoprase)
Chrysoprase, also called Australian jade, comes primarily from Queensland, Australia.
It closely resembles Burmese jade (Imperial) with its translucent green shades, which result from nickel mineralization. While it looks similar to jade, its origin and composition set it apart.
Mountain Jade (Dolomite Marble)
Mountain jade is a high-grade dolomite marble sourced from Asia.
It resembles jade and other precious gemstones, often dyed in vivid colors. Its ability to take on multiple shades makes it a versatile but distinguishable imitation.
Aventurine
Aventurine is a type of quartz that closely resembles jade, especially in its green form.
It also comes in blue, orange, yellow, and brown varieties. Its sparkly, glass-like appearance sets it apart from the smoother texture of real jade.
FAQs
Q. Can you tell if jade is real just by looking at it?
Not reliably. Visual inspection helps, but additional tests like sound, density, or professional appraisal are needed for confirmation.
Q. Is real jade always cold to the touch?
Yes, real jade feels cool and retains its coolness longer than fake materials like plastic or glass.
Q. Can real jade be scratched by metal?
No, real jade is too hard to be scratched by metal. If it scratches easily, it’s likely fake.
Q. What is the most reliable way to test jade at home?
The sound and density tests are the best at-home methods. Real jade produces a ringing sound and feels heavier than it looks.
Q. Is treated jade considered real jade?
Yes, but treated (“B jade”) is less valuable than untreated jade. It has been chemically enhanced to improve appearance.
Q. What should I do if I’m still unsure about my jade?
Consult a certified gemologist for a professional evaluation to confirm authenticity.
Three Grades of Jade: Which One Do You Have?
Jade is categorized into three grades based on the treatments it undergoes: Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C. Understanding these grades helps in assessing the quality and value of jade pieces.
Grade A Jade: 100% Natural
Grade A jade is completely natural, with no chemical treatments. It is only lightly waxed to enhance its surface shine.
This type of jade retains its original color, structure, and durability, making it the most valuable and sought-after.
Grade B Jade: Bleached and Polymer-Injected
Grade B jade has been bleached to remove impurities and injected with polymers to improve its appearance.
While still real jade, the treatments weaken its structure, and the polymers may yellow over time. It’s less valuable than Grade A but offers a more affordable option with enhanced visual appeal.
Grade C Jade: Dyed and Treated
Grade C jade undergoes the same treatments as Grade B, with the addition of dye to enhance or change its color.
This grade is the least durable and lowest in value, as the artificial colors can fade, and the treatments degrade the stone’s longevity.
Grade A jade is the most valuable and durable, while Grade B and C jade are chemically treated and less valuable. Professional testing is recommended to accurately identify the grade of your jade.
Conclusion
Determining if your jade is real doesn’t have to be difficult, and you can try several simple tests at home to help verify its authenticity.
Start by inspecting the jade under light. Look for natural irregularities like fibrous veins, which can indicate genuine jade. On the other hand, if you see air bubbles inside, it’s likely not natural jade.
You can also perform a scratch test to check its hardness. Real jade is very tough and won’t scratch from metal or steel objects.
Use a metal object, like scissors, and gently scratch the surface. If a visible mark remains that can’t be wiped off, the jade is probably fake.
Temperature is another key factor in determining authenticity. Hold the stone in your hand—genuine jade feels naturally cool and takes a while to warm up.
If the stone heats up quickly or doesn’t feel cold when you touch it, it’s likely counterfeit.
These tests are a great way to tell if you are in possession of real or fake jade at home. The most sound way to know the grade of your jade is by consulting an expert. They will be able to tell you the quality and value of your piece.