Guide to identifying real jadeite jade
- Lam Lieu
- Dec 23, 2024
- 8 min read
Jadeite jade, a gemstone known for its natural beauty and timeless appeal, comes in a variety of colors such as green, lavender, orange, red, and white. Due to its rarity and high economic value, the market is rife with counterfeit or treated jade, enhanced to improve color and transparency. These treatments aim to increase the value of lower-quality jade with imperfections.
In this article, Lucky Qi provides a detailed guide on identifying real natural jadeite jade. This skill is crucial for anyone entering the world of jade collecting or simply ensuring that the money spent matches the value of the product.
Jadeite jade is commonly classified into three categories based on the level of treatment: A, B, and C.
Type A Jade: This jade has not undergone any artificial treatments to enhance its appearance or durability, except for surface polishing. Type A jadeite with a glowing green color is referred to as “imperial jade” and holds the highest value.
Type B Jade: Slightly stained jade is bleached or acid-treated to remove impurities, improving its color and transparency. Since the jade’s structure is damaged during this process, gaps are filled with clear polymer resin. Infrared spectroscopy can detect the presence of polymer.
Type C Jade: This jade is bleached or dyed to enhance colors such as green, purple, yellow, or red. Improper dyeing may cause the stone to turn dull brown. Type C jade is also prone to color fading over time when exposed to strong light, body heat, or household detergents.
Before delving into detailed assessments, here are some basic and rapid ways to test jadeite jade:
Observe Color and Texture: Examine the uniformity of color, luster, and the stone’s smooth surface.
At-Home Testing: Use simple methods such as shining a light through the jade, checking for thermal conductivity, or tapping it with a metal object to assess its properties.
Consult Experts: For the most accurate results, take the stone to experienced gemologists for evaluation and verification.
After performing these preliminary assessments, if there is still uncertainty, you can proceed with more detailed evaluation methods.
Method 1: Examine Color and Texture
Step 1: Check the Smoothness and Color Under Natural Light
One effective way to evaluate jade quality is by observing its color and structure under natural light. When exposed to sunlight, pay attention to whether its color shifts with different viewing angles. Real jadeite often displays a unique optical phenomenon called pleochroism, where the stone reflects light at varying wavelengths depending on the direction of the light. This effect creates shimmering, vibrant colors that fake jade cannot replicate, as counterfeit stones typically have monotonous and unchanging hues.
Additionally, examine the jade’s transparency. Real jadeite typically features an opaque outer layer surrounding a transparent core, formed by natural crystallized minerals in fissures of the host rock. In contrast, fake jade often lacks this outer layer or has an uneven coating. To inspect further, you can use a magnifying glass to closely observe the structure of the outer layer and core of the stone.
Step 2: Observe Color and Light Reflection
Color is a key factor in distinguishing real jade from fake. Real jadeite jade comes in a rich variety of colors with unique natural variations, giving it a distinctive appeal. In contrast, fake jade tends to have flat, dull, and uniform colors. When viewed from different angles, real jade produces a subtle light reflection effect, whereas fake jade does not exhibit any color changes with varying angles of light.
Step 3: Inspect Surface Imperfections to Identify Real Jadeite Jade
Another useful method for distinguishing real jade from fake is examining the natural imperfections on the stone’s surface. Real jade often exhibits signs of its natural formation, such as:
Asymmetrical shapes: Some pieces may have slightly uneven or irregular edges.
Small holes or dimples on the surface: These result from the stone’s natural formation process.
Minor scratches: Such marks may remain even after meticulous polishing.
If a jade stone’s surface is flawless to the point of having no imperfections, it might be a sign of fake jade or overly treated jade. However, note that this criterion may not apply to high-end jewelry. The finest quality jade, especially in exquisitely crafted products, may appear flawless due to expert cutting and polishing.
Method 2: Perform Physical Tests
Step 1: Test Weight by Hand
Natural jadeite has a high density and specific gravity, making it heavier than many other stones of the same size. A simple way to test this is to toss the stone gently into the air and catch it, feeling its weight. You can also compare it to other stones to identify differences. While this method isn’t entirely accurate, it is a common initial assessment used by many experts to gauge the quality of a jade stone.
Step 2: Coolness Test on Skin
Real jadeite jade has a low heat retention capacity and is slow to be affected by environmental temperature changes. Place the stone on a sensitive area of your skin, such as your cheek or neck, and you’ll feel a characteristic coolness. Even after holding it on your skin for a while, a real jadeite stone will retain its coolness. In contrast, fake jade tends to warm up quickly due to its lower thermal conductivity.
Step 3: Heat Retention Test
Prepare the stone in a cold state, for example, by storing it in the refrigerator or leaving it outside during winter. Place the stone in your palm and hold it tightly for 1–2 minutes to transfer heat from your hand to the stone. If the stone remains cool after the test, it is likely real jadeite. If it warms up quickly, it is probably fake jade.
This property is due to the unique crystalline structure of real jadeite, which helps maintain a stable temperature, unlike synthetic stones with poor heat retention.
Step 4: Hardness Test by Tapping on Glass
Real jadeite jade has a high hardness level, typically rated 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale, and can scratch ordinary glass surfaces. To test, gently tap the stone on a non-essential glass item. If the jadeite is real, it will leave a small scratch on the glass. Conversely, fake jade may not scratch the glass or might even crack under strong impact.
Note: Perform this test only on non-essential or damaged glass to avoid unnecessary damage.
Other gemstones like diamonds, rubies, and sapphires can also scratch glass due to their superior hardness. To distinguish them, consider their color, transparency, and other specific characteristics.
Step 5: Durability Test Using Sharp Objects
Natural jadeite is highly durable and resistant to scratches from common objects. Use a fingernail or a sharp item such as a knife or scissors to lightly scratch the surface of the stone in an inconspicuous area.
If the surface becomes scratched, it is likely fake jade or a softer stone.
With a hardness rating of 7 on the Mohs scale, jadeite can only be affected by harder materials like diamonds (10) or topaz (8).
Additional Test: Use a cold metal pin to touch the surface of the stone. If the stone is real jadeite, the pin will feel warmer than the stone because jade conducts heat efficiently. If the pin feels as cold as or colder than the stone, it may be fake jade.
Part 3: Consulting Experts or Reputable Organizations for Jadeite Verification
Step 1: Seek Evaluation from a Jeweler
To determine if your jadeite is real, the first and most important step is to bring it to a professional jeweler. Experienced jewelers use specialized tools, such as microscopes, magnifying glasses, or spectroscopes, to distinguish authentic jadeite from imitations.
Detailed Analysis: Jewelers examine the natural characteristics of the jadeite, including its crystalline structure, clarity, color, and common natural markings. They can also identify any artificial enhancements or irregularities in the stone.
Value Assessment: After the inspection, the jeweler will provide information on the quality, color, size, and value of the jadeite.
It’s advisable to consult multiple jewelers to ensure accuracy, especially if the jadeite is of high value. Attempting to evaluate the stone at home without proper knowledge and tools can lead to incorrect conclusions or potential damage.
Step 2: Density Test
The density test is a scientific and accurate technique commonly used by jewelers and certification organizations. It involves measuring the stone’s weight and volume to compare its density with the standard range for natural jadeite.
Procedure:
Weigh the Stone: Use a precise electronic scale to measure the jadeite’s weight.
Measure Volume: Apply the water displacement method to determine the stone’s volume.
Calculate Density: Divide the weight by the volume to obtain the density value.
If the stone’s density falls within the standard range (typically 2.90 to 3.02 g/cm³ for jadeite), it is likely real. Conversely, deviations in density may indicate fake jade or another type of stone.
Note: Discuss the process and equipment with the jeweler, and request to observe the procedure to ensure transparency and safeguard your stone.
Step 3: Request a Valuation from a Jeweler
The value of jadeite is influenced by several factors, such as color, transparency, size, shape, imperfections, and craftsmanship. A jeweler will carefully evaluate these aspects to provide an estimated value.
Factors Affecting Value:
Color: Green jadeite is the most valuable, especially when the color is even and free from gray or yellow tones.
Transparency: The more transparent the jade, and the fewer impurities it has, the higher its value.
Size and Shape: Larger pieces of jadeite or those skillfully cut tend to have greater value.
Natural vs. Synthetic: Natural jadeite, particularly pieces sourced from Myanmar or Canada, commands significantly higher prices compared to synthetic jade.
In addition, a jeweler can provide insights into current market trends, helping you understand the actual value and potential appreciation of the jadeite over time, especially if it is rare or highly sought-after.
Note: A jeweler’s valuation is for reference only. To gain a comprehensive and accurate understanding, it is advisable to consult multiple experts and conduct additional research on the jadeite market.
The methods outlined above are a comprehensive guide to identifying natural jadeite, brought to you by Lucky Qi. Mastering these techniques is essential for both beginners entering the world of jadeite and seasoned collectors. They form the foundation for making informed purchases that align with your needs and desires, ensuring that the value of the item matches the price paid. These steps also help minimize the risk of being deceived by untrustworthy individuals or organizations.
We wish you success in finding the perfect jadeite items that match your expectations and bring you inspiration, enjoyment, and passion in your journey of collecting this captivating gemstone.
Source: WikiHow
Compiled & Edited by: Lucky Qi
