True vs false jade: These key differences in rock angles

Jade is one of the most complex gemstones. Because of its popularity, there are a range of other minerals and materials, such as glass and plastics, that can pass off natural jade. In addition, there is the land tradition of disposing of true jade. So it’s good to know the difference between real and fake jade.

There are five main differences between genuine and fake jade. Natural jade comes in a variety of colors (white, brown , orange, red, black), not just green. True jade cannot be scratched by steel and glass. No bubbles or dye concentration in real jade. Natural jade does not glow under ultraviolet light. Some jade simulators reach more than 20 natural and man-made materials. About 15 misleading names, such as Afghan jade and Transvaal jade, are not jade at all! 

Today we will discuss all possible fakes and misleading names and highlight their attributes, allowing us to identify different types of fakes. However, if it is jade, it is best to consult a professional gemologist. Sometimes, even crude materials don’t guarantee you’re safe from fakes. EnjoyBid has expert in this field. you can find jade here.

The difference between real and fake jade

How to tell whether jade is real or fake (different colors)

True jade is a gorgeous gemstone that comes in a variety of colors, from the most famous green to white, red, pink, green, yellow, black, and even light blue. So bright atypical colors shouldn’t scare you, it’s a false signal.

True jade is translucent, with evenly distributed colors that vary gently between slightly different hues.True jade is a collection of microcrystals, with no visible crystals or particles. It is hard (Mohs scale 6-7) and extremely tough. Truly untreated jade will not glow under ultraviolet light in most cases.

The word jade represents two different minerals: nephrite and jade. This is because historically it has been almost impossible to distinguish between the two visually identical materials. They are actually metamorphic rocks made up of tiny interlocking fibrous mineral crystals.

When we hear jade, we usually imagine a green stone; However, emeralds come in many attractive colors: many shades of green, yellow, and red-orange, plus white, gray, black, brown, and lavender (usually a light purple or a light grayish purple). Nephrite has a bit of a different pallet, mainly appearing in light green, yellow, brown, black, gray or white.

Red jade

Sometimes carbuncle may resemble coral. The color of natural red jade is orange red, not purple red. True carbuncle is opaque and used mainly for carving. It also has a very even texture without any noticeable texture.

Pink jade

True pink jade never has bright colors. The color of true pink jade is best described as light pink, lilac, mauve, or light grayish purple. The natural pink emerald is always white. Stones can be translucent, and the best stones are almost transparent. Some pink jade has a faint glow. So in the case of pink (lavender) jade, it’s not always a sign of a fake.

White jade

Real white jade can be distinguished from fakes by its translucent opalescent appearance. It can stand for jade and nephrite. Even printed words can be read by specimens of real white jade of the best quality. Natural samples of white jade should not have any black inclusions or textures. White jade, often called ice jade, is very precious today.

Yellow jade

Natural topaz does not have bright colors. Yellow is closer to orange and has a warm tinge. No changes in lemon or acid were observed in natural topaz. Like carbada, it tends to be opaque and, therefore, beautiful sculpting material.

Black jade

In most cases, nephrite stands for natural black jade. It is mostly opaque, but what can help you distinguish the black jade from the fake luster it has. Black jade will not shine like glass. You don’t see very shiny reflections. Natural black jade will have a waxy surface.

Blue jade

Don’t expect a vibrant electric blue lapis lapis color from blue jade. The hue and saturation of green jade is noble. If you call it light blue, a little gray is even better. Green jade is extremely rare. The best specimens are almost transparent and look like blue ice.

Green jade

For thousands of years, green has been the most important and precious color in Chinese culture. As we have discussed before, green jade can be represented by jade and nephrite. Jade is the type that has a lot of fakes, substitutes and imitations. A magnifying glass and a UV lamp are recommended to distinguish jadeite from counterfeit. The best jade — almost transparent and emerald green — is called imperial jade. This green jade without gray or yellow is on the market for millions of dollars.

How to Tell if Jade is Real or Fake

Even experienced jade traders can find it difficult to tell which is genuine and which is fake. Additional lab tests should be done to be 100% sure.Common tests such as relative weight, warmth to the touch, and percussion sound are somewhat subjective. Pseudojade can be represented in a variety of materials with significantly different physical and optical properties. Plastic fakes are softer than real jade and can be cut by knives and glass. False glass may have shell-like fragments and air bubbles. The fake polymer emits light under ultraviolet light. We must point out that the properties and tests described are also imprecise. Therefore, we strongly recommend asking the seller for a certificate issued by a trusted Gemstone lab to avoid buying very expensive fakes.

Here is a list of the most common misleading names for jade, and what does it usually stand for

• Malaysia jade, South Korea jade dyed quartzite
• Australian jade or Queensland jade – green chalcedony (green chalcedony)
• Transvaal jade, African jade, South African jade, garnet jade, white jade – water red garnet
• California jade, Vesuvius jade, American jade – translucent greenish-yellow stone greenite (Vesuvius stone)

Difference Between Real and Fake Jade

The main difference between real and fake jade made of glass and plastic is hardness. Real jade is hard, knife and glass can not be scratched.Fake jade made of glass will have bubbles. Fakes may have dye concentration zones and tiny, shell-like cracks. Natural jade does not glow under ultraviolet light.

5 main differences will help you to spot a fake:

Hardness. Real jade is hard, knife and glass can not cut. Under the magnified bubble it is a sign made of fake glass. Bands of dye concentration between mineral particles indicate dyes. Shell fragments and broken bones are also signs of forgery. Uv test. In most cases, the samples that glow under ultraviolet light are fake or treated low-quality jade. We strongly recommend that you test the jade in a gemology lab or with a local jewelry professional. Only when tested with the help of specialized instruments such as various spectrometers can accurate responses be given.

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