Jade, with its alluring green hue and historical significance, has captivated humans for thousands of years. Its beauty and mystique have made it highly sought after, but this popularity has also led to numerous imitations and lookalikes. For the untrained eye, distinguishing genuine jade from its imitators can be a daunting task. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the most common materials mistaken for jade and offer tips on how to identify the real deal.
Serpentine
Serpentine is perhaps the most common material mistaken for jade. Often found in similar shades of green, serpentine can be polished to a high gloss, closely resembling jade. However, serpentine is typically softer and less dense than jade.
How to Tell the Difference:
- Hardness Test: Jadeite jade has a Mohs hardness of 6.5-7, whereas serpentine ranks around 3-5. A steel blade can scratch serpentine but not jadeite.
- Density: Genuine jade is denser than serpentine. Conducting a specific gravity test can help differentiate the two.
Aventurine
Aventurine, a type of quartz, is another common jade imitator. Its sparkly appearance, caused by inclusions of mica or other minerals, can deceive many into believing it’s jade.
How to Tell the Difference:
- Inclusions: Aventurine’s glittery inclusions (aventurescence) are a giveaway. Jade typically does not have this sparkly effect.
- Transparency: Aventurine is often more transparent than jade, which tends to be more opaque.
Chrysoprase
Chrysoprase, a green variety of chalcedony, is prized for its vibrant apple-green color, which can closely resemble some jade varieties.
How to Tell the Difference:
- Color: Chrysoprase often has a brighter, more vivid green compared to the typically more muted green of jade.
- Transparency and Structure: Chrysoprase is more translucent and has a more uniform structure than jade.
Glass
Imitation jade made from glass can be quite convincing at first glance. It’s often dyed to mimic jade’s various shades.
How to Tell the Difference:
- Temperature: Glass feels warmer to the touch compared to the cool feel of real jade.
- Bubbles: Under magnification, glass often shows tiny bubbles, which are not present in natural jade.
Plastic
Plastic imitations are usually the easiest to identify. These are often mass-produced and can look quite convincing from a distance.
How to Tell the Difference:
- Weight: Plastic is significantly lighter than real jade.
- Feel: Plastic feels warm and often has a less smooth, less cool surface compared to jade.
Soapstone
Soapstone, or steatite, is another material often mistaken for jade due to its greenish hues.
How to Tell the Difference:
- Hardness: Soapstone is much softer, with a Mohs hardness of 1-2, easily scratched by a fingernail.
- Texture: Soapstone has a greasy feel, unlike the smooth, hard texture of jade.
Tips for Identifying Genuine Jade
- Seek Professional Appraisal: If in doubt, consult a gemologist or a reputable jeweler. Professional testing, including refractive index and specific gravity tests, can accurately identify jade.
- Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with the characteristics of genuine jade, such as its weight, density, and hardness.
- Purchase from Reputable Sources: Buy jade from trusted dealers who provide certifications and guarantees of authenticity.
Conclusion
Jade’s beauty and historical significance make it a highly desired gemstone, but this popularity has also led to a proliferation of imitations. By understanding the common materials mistaken for jade and learning to recognize the key differences, you can better navigate the world of jade and ensure your purchases are genuine. Remember, when in doubt, always seek the expertise of a professional. Happy jade hunting!
