Jade is a beautiful and precious gemstone used in jewelry and other objects for centuries. Jade represents a significant cultural and spiritual value in many societies, and since jade is such a valuable stone, some retailers attempt to pass off other stones as authentic jade. So, how can we be sure that the jade stones in our jewelry and other items are real?
We can tell jade is real by performing a few different tests. These tests aren’t always fool proof, but they will give a pretty good idea of whether the jade stone or jewelry is real. In this article, we’ll examine each test to give an idea of how authentic jade feels, looks, and behaves under pressure. We’ll also look at key characteristics to look for when determining the quality of a jade stone.
How To Check for Authentic Jade in Jewelry
Whether it’s found, inherited, or purchased from a retail store, it’s important to check jade jewelry for authenticity, especially if no letter of authenticity is included. Jade rings, bracelets, pendants, and necklaces are delicate pieces of jewelry that can be very valuable if authentic.
When looking at jade, it’s important to keep in mind that there are two different types of jade – nephrite and jadeite. Nephrite is the more common type of jade, while jadeite is considered rarer and more precious. Both types of jade can be used in jewelry and other objects, so it’s important to know how to identify each.
Here are some key characteristics to look for when trying to determine if a jade stone is real:
- Color: Authentic jade comes in various colors, including white, green, yellow, and even black. However, not all colors of jade are equally valuable. For example, green jade is the most popular and valuable color, while white jade is less desirable.
- Clarity: Another important factor to consider when determining the authenticity of jade is clarity. Jade should be free of any blemishes or inclusions and have a smooth, even texture.
- Cut: The way a jade stone is cut can also be an indicator of its authenticity. Authentic jade is typically cut in a cabochon style, which means it is smooth and rounded with a flat back.
Now that we’ve looked at some general characteristics of authentic jade, we’ll take a closer look at some of the tests that can be used to determine if a jade stone is real.
1) Scratch Test for Jade
One of the easiest ways to tell if jade is real is by performing what is known as the scratch test. To do this, take a sharp object, like a needle or a razor blade, and attempt to scratch the surface of the jade.
A genuine jade stone is so durable that it can’t be scratched with common metal objects. Steel has a hardness of 5.0 on the Mohs scale, but jade ranges between 6.0 and 7.0; therefore, steel can’t scratch its surface.
If scratched with a common metal object, jade will show no sign of wear. If there are any scratches on the surface of the jade, then it is likely that the stone is not real.
Make sure you perform the scratch test in an area that is obscure.
2) Test Jade Stones for Flaws
Another way to test the authenticity of jade is by checking for flaws. To do this, hold the jade up to a light and examine it closely. Check for any cracks, inclusions, or blemishes on the surface of the stone. Real jade will be bright, vivid in color, and have a smooth finish and white, watery luster.
Within the stone, look for pits or rough spots. Real jade will have a few imperfections, such as a slight variation in color or a small inclusion, but it shouldn’t have any large cracks or chips.
3) Jade Temperature Test
Place the jade stone against the cheek or hand. Real jade is slightly colder than the air in the room, and it should stay cold in hand for a while. If it gets hot or becomes warm quickly after holding it, it’s a counterfeit jade.
Regarding temperature, jadeite will feel cooler than nephrite. Nephrite is a denser stone, so it will absorb heat from the body more slowly.
4) Use the Sound Test
Another way to test the authenticity of jade is by using the sound test. To do this, hold the jade stone in one hand and tap it lightly with the other. Real jade will have a high-pitched, ringing sound when tapped, whereas fake jade will make a dull thud noise. This is because real jade is denser than many other stones and the glass or resin used to create counterfeits.
5) Test the Weight of Jade Stones
When it comes to weight, jade is denser than most other stones. Nephrite jade is 2.90-3.03 grams per cubic centimeter, and jadeite jade is approximately 3.30-3.38. This means that a small piece of jade will feel heavier than an equally sized piece of another stone, like quartz.
To test the weight of jade, hold it in one hand and then compare it to a piece of another stone that is the same size. If the jade feels heavier, then it is likely to be real. We can also use the popular “toss test” to check the weight of jade. To do this, toss the jade stone in the air and catch it. A real jade stone will feel heavier than an imitation.
6) X-Ray Diffraction and Refractive Index
Two, scientific tests can be used to determine the authenticity of a jade stone or piece of jewelry. These tests are typically only performed by gemologists or jewelers, as they require specialized equipment.
The X-ray diffraction test is used to identify the minerals in a stone. This test can distinguish between different types of jade, as well as between jade and other stones.
The refractive index test is used to measure the amount of light that is bent when it passes through a stone. This test can also be used to distinguish between different types of jade.
If unsure about the authenticity of a piece of jade, it is always best to take it to a professional for further testing. Gemologists and jewelers will be able to perform more accurate tests to determine the authenticity of the stone.
What Does Real Jade Feel Like?
The texture of jade is a key identifying factor when trying to determine if the stone is real. Nephrite jade is typically duller in shine and waxier in texture than jadeite, which has a glasslike finish.
Real jade feels smooth with a soft, velvety feel or soapy texture. It is also quite cold to the touch and won’t warm up quickly when touched. Both types of jade should feel smooth, cool, and slightly slick.
Fake jade is often made of glass or other materials that have a smoother, more polished texture. These stones will also feel warmer to the touch than real jade. Glass is much lighter than jade, so if a piece feels very light when held, it may be a fake.
How Can I Tell the Quality of Jade?
Regarding quality, jade is graded on a scale of A to C, with A being the highest quality. Grade A jade is untreated and has natural color and texture. Grades B and C jade may be damaged or have an unnatural color and may be treated with bleach or colored dyes.
The quality of jade is known by its color, translucency, and texture. Jade with a deep green color, high translucency, and a smooth texture is considered to be of the highest quality. Jade that is lighter in color, less transparent, or has a rougher texture is considered lower quality.
The finest grade of jadeite, which is almost transparent and has a vibrant emerald-green hue, is known as “Imperial jade.” Lavender is the second most valuable hue. Colors in excess of intense colors command a significant premium over those that are not as strong. Black jade is also well-liked, along with orange to reddish Jade, especially when these hues are not brownish.
Jade’s transparency can range from semi-transparent to completely opaque, with semitransparent being the most valuable. The highest quality jadeite is known as “Imperial jade” and has an emerald-green color with a high degree of transparency.
When it comes to texture, the smoother and more even the surface of the jade, the higher the quality. Jade that is heavily included or has a rough surface is considered lower quality.
Is There a Market for Jade?
China’s jade market is the strongest, most active and most well-known globally, but jade is also popular in Europe, the United States, and other Asian countries. In China, jade has been used for centuries, from sculptures and jewelry to religious ceremonies and burial rituals. Jade is still widely used in Chinese culture today and is considered a valuable commodity.
There is a market for jade internationally. The United States is the second largest market for jade, with much of the stone being used for manufacturing purposes and in jewelry and other decorative items. The cost of jade is dependent on quality, ranging from $5 per carat up to $3 million per carat.
Over the years, the price of jade has fluctuated depending on several factors, including supply and demand, political stability, and the economy’s overall health.
In Chinese culture, jade is held at a higher accord than rubies, sapphires, and diamonds. Jade is a symbol of beauty, power, and prosperity and is believed to have mystical powers. For these reasons, jade has been used in everything from sculptures and jewelry to religious ceremonies and burial rituals.
In the Western world, jade is not held in such high regard but is still considered to be a valuable commodity. The cost of jade is highly dependent on the stone’s quality, with the finest quality fetching prices as high as $3 million per carat. However, most jade is priced somewhere between $5 and $30 per carat.
How to Know if Jade is Valuable
The value of jade depends on several factors, including quality, color, and provenance. The most valuable jade is known as “Imperial jade” and has a deep emerald-green color with a high degree of transparency. Jade that is less transparent or has a lighter color is not as valuable.
Valuable jade is distinguished from lower quality jade by its color, translucency, authenticity, and texture. Bright, vivid green colors known as “imperial” are most valuable, followed by:
- Lavender Jadeite
- Ivy Jadeite
- “Mutton Fat” or White Jadeite
- Black and other colors.
The more transparent the jade, the higher its value. A certificate of authenticity from a reputable source can also increase the value of jade.
Jade that is heavily included or has a rough surface is not as valuable as smooth, high-quality jade. Lower-quality jade may also be treated with bleach or dyes to improve its appearance, decreasing its value.
The bottom line is that the most valuable jade is of the highest quality, with a deep emerald-green color, a high degree of transparency, and a smooth surface. Jade that is less transparent, has a lighter color, or is heavily included is not as valuable.
Conclusion
Jade is a valuable stone that has been used in Chinese culture for centuries. The most valuable jade is of the highest quality, with a deep emerald-green color, a high degree of transparency, and a smooth surface. Testing jade for authenticity, quality, and value is essential before making a purchase or deciding to sell.
