How to Tell if Jade Is Real?
The best way to gain confidence in the authenticity of jade is through professional evaluation, though certain physical properties – such as texture, colour, temperature, sound, and others – can also help indicate its genuineness. Jade is a gemstone of immense value and cultural significance, with both types – jadeite and nephrite – being highly prized, particularly top-quality jadeite like 'Imperial Jade'. Given its coveted status, the authenticity of jade is paramount for those who wish to own a genuine piece of history. This article provides an overview of key qualities of jade, offering insight into its physical characteristics and why they matter.
Colour
Real jade comes in various colours, including green, lavender, red, orange, yellow, brown, white, black, and grey – depending on the type of jade. The most prized jade is 'Imperial Jade', an almost transparent, vibrant emerald-green colour with no hints of grey. Imitation jade may appear overly vibrant or exhibit unnatural hues, as these stones are often dyed or treated. Genuine jade typically displays a natural, even colour.
Texture
Real jade has a smooth and even texture due to the interlocking crystalline structure of the stone, which gives jade its toughness and resistance to breaking. Fine jadeite, in particular, has a texture that is almost silky to the touch, often described as 'greasy' or 'waxy'. When examining jade, it should feel smooth and pleasant to hold, without any rough patches or inconsistencies.
Transparency
Transparency refers to how much light can pass through the jade. Genuine jade ranges from opaque to semi-transparent. High quality jadeite is semi-transparent, allowing light to penetrate just below the surface, giving the stone an inner glow. To assess transparency, hold the jade up to a light source or place it on a printed page to see if you can partially read the text through the stone. Jade that is entirely opaque or has cloudy patches may indicate a lower quality or fake stone.
Temperature
Authentic jade feels cool to the touch, even in warm environments. This coolness is due to jade's high thermal conductivity, which allows it to dissipate heat quickly. When examining jade, hold the piece in your hand for a few seconds. Genuine jade will remain cool, while fake jade, often made from glass or plastic, will warm up quickly.
Sound
The sound test, also known as the 'ping' test, is a traditional method for assessing real jade. When tapped or struck, genuine jade emits a deep, resonant sound, similar to the chime of a bell, due to its tightly interlocked crystal structure. If a piece produces a dull or flat noise, it may be fake or of lower quality.
Density
Jade is a dense material, with a density ranging from 3.30 to 3.38 g/cm³, making it feel heavier than it appears. To test for density, compare the jade piece's weight to that of a similarly sized object. Genuine jade should feel noticeably heavy. Be cautious of stones that feel too light, as they may be made from less dense materials like glass or plastic.
Hardness
Jade is a tough gemstone, with jadeite ranking 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale and nephrite slightly softer at 6.0 to 6.5. This hardness means that both jadeite and nephrite are resistant to scratches from metal or glass, while imitation jade, often made from softer materials, may show signs of damage. However, it is not advisable to deliberately scratch jade yourself, as this could cause damage and reduce its value.
Importance of Professional Evaluation
While knowledge of jade's physical properties can offer some insights into its authenticity, it is not a substitute for professional evaluation. Some imitation jade pieces are so expertly crafted that they closely resemble genuine jade. It is important to seek the expertise of a gemologist who can use advanced tools and techniques, such as spectroscopic analysis and refractive index testing, to gain better confidence in the authenticity and quality of jade without causing any damage. If you are considering purchasing jade or getting your jade tested, we invite you to contact us, explore our collection on Instagram or visit our jewellery store in Chinatown.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Real jade is cool to the touch, has a smooth texture, and produces a deep, resonant sound when struck. It’s also dense and resists scratching. To minimise the risk of damage, a professional evaluation by a gemologist is recommended. At Alex Wong Jewellery, we can arrange for your jade to be certified for its authenticity and quality.
Raw jade can be tested by checking its hardness (it should not be scratched by metal), performing a density test, and examining its colour and texture. Professional evaluation is advisable, as a gemologist can conduct advanced tests without causing damage. At Alex Wong Jewellery, we can arrange for your jade to be certified for its authenticity and quality.
Jade comes in various colours, including green, lavender, white, and black. Nephrite jade is often found in creamy white (known as 'mutton fat' jade) or various shades of green, ranging from light to dark. High-quality jadeite is often semi-transparent with a smooth, even texture and can have an inner glow.
Jadeite is a type of jade that is harder, denser, and more valuable, often found in bright green or other vibrant colours. Nephrite, the other type of jade, is typically softer and found in more muted shades.
Yes, real jade, especially high-quality jadeite like 'Imperial Jade', can be very expensive, with prices reaching thousands to millions of dollars depending on its quality.
Materials like serpentine, aventurine, glass, and dyed quartz are often mistaken for jade due to their similar appearance.
Old jade may have a smooth, polished surface with slight wear, and its colour may be deeper and more uniform due to prolonged exposure to the environment. A professional gemologist can determine its age through detailed analysis. At Alex Wong Jewellery, we can arrange for your jade to be thoroughly analysed and certified for its authenticity and quality.
'Healthy' jade typically refers to jade with even colour, good translucency, and no visible cracks or inclusions. It should have a vibrant, consistent hue.
Neither is inherently better; the value depends on factors like colour intensity, transparency, and the type of jade. 'Imperial Jade', a deep, vibrant green, is among the most valued.
No, real jade is extremely tough and resistant to breaking due to its interlocking crystal structure. However, it can crack if subjected to extreme force.
Chinese jade varies, but it’s often nephrite, which ranges from creamy white to shades of green. It’s typically smooth, with a waxy texture.
Real jade does not sparkle like a faceted gemstone. Instead, it has a soft, waxy lustre that can give it an inner glow, especially in high-quality pieces.
The rarest colour of jade is a rich, vibrant Imperial green, especially in jadeite. Lavender jade is also considered rare and valuable.
Old jade typically has a deeper, more uniform colour and shows signs of wear, while new jade may have brighter colours and a more polished appearance. The age can be confirmed through professional evaluation by a gemologist.
The value of Chinese jade varies widely depending on its type (jadeite or nephrite), quality, and colour. High-quality jadeite can be extremely valuable, ranging from hundreds to millions of dollars.