Tips On Identifying True Jade

Stunning is definitely one word that best describes Jade jewelry. However, it can be tough differentiating whether it’s real or fake. Below, are some guidelines on identifying whether it is true jade or not.

With the majority of Jade coming from Burma, it is still common for the rare gem to be found in Guatemala and other areas, just in a smaller quantity (less than a single mineral). Many people do not know that Jade is found in multiple sources. Two different minerals can actually make jade,  Jadeite or Nephrite. This is why it is the most expensive,   as Jadeite is the rarest from both minerals. From white to yellow, and black to red, jadeite is known for generally changing in colour. It is mainly known as Jadeite when its at its clearest green in colour.

In America and many of the worlds continents, Nephrite Jade has been discovered. This tends to help cut costs considerably and is still amongst the most popular forms of Jade. Nephrite Jade can produce mottled green and grayish shades so it differs from what is produced from Jadeite. Still very beautiful though.

When it comes to testing strength, true Jade will then be identified. Unable to chip or break easily, Jade tends to be a very tough gem. On the Mohs hardness scale, a Pure Diamond is ranked with a solid 10. While Jadeite is softer and ranks at a 7. Being chip resistant, Jade is considered a very strong mineral.

Not only strength though. With a very specific and high luster, this allows Jade to be polished from a medium to a high level. More valuable pieces on the market would definitely consist of the semi-transparent and fully transparent Jade. Experts say the clearer the stone is, the better it is.

It’s very important to take your time by identifying valuable pieces. Learn the value. There are coveted pieces that are the same even colour all over. Multicolored pieces of jade have become very popular lately. Although we now know that semi-transparent and transparent pieces along with the more intense shades of green are very expensive and off high quality, it is important to know many pieces have been dyed or heat treated in order to enhance or tone down the color or Jade.

Many jewelers have tried to explain to people that dyes quartz and other stones are Jade, when in actual fact they are very far from it. You must know what you are looking for when shopping for your very own Jade piece. With no visible flaws and little to no chips, this should be one of the first things you look for.