Jadeite is a beautiful gemstone that has been prized for centuries for its vibrant green color and its spiritual significance. However, not all jadeite is created equal. There are many imitations and fake versions of this precious stone on the market, so it’s important to know how to tell if jadeite is real.
Understanding Jadeite
Before we dive into how to spot real jadeite, let’s first learn a bit more about this stunning gemstone. Jadeite is one of two minerals commonly known as “jade” (the other being nephrite). It is a silicate mineral that is part of the pyroxene group, with a chemical formula of NaAlSi2O6. The most desirable jadeite is a bright emerald-green color, which is caused by traces of chromium. Other colors include lavender, yellow, blue, black, and white.
Jadeite is typically found in metamorphic rocks in places like Myanmar (formerly Burma), Guatemala, and Russia. The best-quality jadeite comes from Myanmar, where it has been mined for centuries. In Chinese culture, jadeite is believed to have healing powers and symbolizes nobility, purity, and grace.
Examining Color
One of the easiest ways to determine if jadeite is real is to examine its color. As mentioned earlier, the most valuable jadeite is a bright emerald-green color. If you’re looking at a piece of jadeite that is supposed to be green but appears dull or grayish, it may be an imitation or a lower-quality version of the stone.
Additionally, real jadeite will typically have variations in color throughout the stone. You may see veins of lighter or darker green running through the stone, or areas that appear more translucent or opaque. This is a natural characteristic of jadeite and is a good sign that the stone is genuine.
Checking Transparency
Another characteristic to examine when trying to determine if jadeite is real is its transparency. Real jadeite should have some degree of translucency, meaning you can see through the stone to some extent. Hold the jadeite up to a light source and look for areas where light passes through the stone.
If the stone is completely opaque or has a milky appearance, it may not be genuine jadeite. However, keep in mind that certain types of jadeite, such as black jadeite, may appear more opaque than other colors.
Feeling the Texture
The texture of jadeite can also give clues as to whether or not it is real. Real jadeite should feel cool to the touch and have a smooth, almost waxy surface. If the stone feels warm or plastic-like, it may be an imitation.
Additionally, real jadeite will often have natural imperfections on its surface, such as small pits or fissures. These imperfections are a sign that the jadeite has not been treated or enhanced in any way.
Performing a Scratch Test
While not always necessary, performing a scratch test can help confirm if jadeite is real. Jadeite has a hardness of around 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, which means it is relatively hard but can still be scratched by harder materials like diamond. Use a piece of unglazed porcelain or another material with a hardness of around 6.5-7 to scratch the surface of the jadeite gently.
If the jadeite leaves a scratch on the surface of the material you’re using, it may not be genuine. Keep in mind that this test should be performed with care and only on a small section of the stone, as it could potentially damage the gemstone.
Seeking Professional Appraisal
If you’re still unsure about the authenticity of your jadeite, seeking out a professional appraisal can be a helpful step. An appraiser will be able to examine the stone more closely using specialized equipment and techniques, and can provide a definitive answer as to whether or not the jadeite is genuine.
When seeking an appraisal, be sure to choose a reputable appraiser who has experience working with jadeite specifically. This will ensure that you receive an accurate assessment of the stone’s value and authenticity.
In conclusion, while there are many imitations and fake versions of jadeite on the market, there are also ways to determine if jadeite is real. By examining the color, transparency, texture, and performing a scratch test (if necessary), you can get a good sense of whether or not the gemstone is genuine. And if you’re still unsure, seeking out a professional appraisal can provide peace of mind and ensure that you have a genuine piece of this beautiful and culturally significant gemstone.
