The two most accurate methods:
1. Observe “Extensibility” — Veins flow, cracks break
Hold the jadeite at a slight angle and rotate it under strong light.
Veins (Stone Veins / Cotton Veins):
· Appear as thread-like, misty, or banded patterns.
· Extend naturally “along” the jade structure with continuity.
· Resemble ripples on water, soft and non-sharp.
· Often fade or disappear when viewed at different angles.
Cracks (fractures/cracks):
· Irregular, abruptly interrupted lines.
· Contain “break points,” abruptly severing the structure.
· Sharp edges with light leakage (glare from reflections at the crack).
· Remains clearly visible as a “white streak” even when viewed from different angles.
Summary:
Grain forms “with the grain,” while cracks form “against the grain.”
2. Observe “depth levels” — Grain lies within the surface layer, cracks cut inward
Use a flashlight against the surface to assess penetration.
Grain:
· Primarily internal structure, does not breach the surface.
· When light penetrates, patterns appear to “float” within.
· Surface feels smooth to the touch.
Cracks:
· Surface shows slight unevenness; faintly detectable with fingernail scraping.
· Under strong light, cracks extend inward from the surface.
· Deep cracks refract light into a glaring white line.
Summary:
Veins resemble internal “nerve pathways,” while cracks are like “wounds” from a knife.
Two mnemonics:
First: Veins flow unimpeded; cracks block light
· Light passes smoothly through veins.
· Light gets “stuck” in cracks, forming distinct white shadows.
Second: Veins don’t kill value; cracks demand caution
· Jadeite with veins remains a natural characteristic.
· Jade with cracks suffers significant devaluation, especially:
◎ Surface cracks (highly detrimental)
◎ Through cracks (immediate rejection)
For visual clarity, here are two illustrative diagrams:
In the image above, observe:
· Veins: Appear as threads, haze, or bands—soft and non-sharp
· Cracks: White, bright, and abrupt—with distinct “cut marks”
Quick “Three-Step Method” for Identification:
1. Touch: Smooth surfaces indicate veins; rough or scratchy surfaces suggest cracks.
2. Inspect: Under strong light, check for visible “break points.”
3. Rotate: Spin the piece. If the lines “disappear with the light,” it’s a vein;
if a “hard, white line” remains unchanged at any angle, it’s a crack.
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