How to Distinguish Genuine Jadeite from Imitation

Jadeite is like a logic puzzle nature has tossed to humanity: light, structure, feel, and sound—each clue hides the difference between genuine and fake. Below, I’ll give you two solid, practical, reliable, and easy-to-master methods.

 

①Assessing by “structure”: Examine the “jadeite texture,” “stone grain,” and “graininess.”

This is the most fundamental and stable criterion for evaluation. Jadeite, a type of hard jade, possesses a fine-grained crystal structure with distinct orientation, resulting in its characteristic “jadeite luster” and “orange peel effect.”

 

You can observe it this way:

Step 1: Shine a bright light on the surface (a flashlight or phone will work).

Genuine jadeite exhibits fine, uniformly oriented crystal reflections that resemble subtly flowing thread-like points of light. Counterfeit jade, commonly made from “glass,” “resin,” or “dyed stones,” either displays overly uniform reflections or lacks this structure entirely.

 

Common Differences:

·Genuine jadeite: Features a naturally irregular structure, directional light points, and fine-grained texture.

·Fake jadeite: Its structure resembles frosted glass, with coarse, irregular grains or no discernible structure at all.

This determination method relies solely on physical structure, not experience, making it the most stable.

 

 

②Use “light transparency + color root” to judge: Check if the color appears natural.

The color of jadeite is never “painted on”; it arises from variations in the mineral composition within the crystal structure, resulting in:

·Color transitions are natural.

·Uneven distribution of depth

·Pigmentation spreads naturally in “patchy, root-like, and spotty” patterns.

 

Fake jadeite (especially dyed B+C jadeite) will exhibit:

·The color adheres to the crystal surface, appearing to “float.”

·Noticeable dark “pigment spots” clustered together

·Color permeates along the cracks (the most typical characteristic)

·The color transitions are rigid and uniform, lacking natural texture.

Simply shine a bright flashlight on the crack to identify it—most counterfeits will be exposed.

 

 

The world of jadeite is like a detective story set in the mineral kingdom—the more you explore it, the more intriguing it becomes.

#JadeAuthenticityIdentification #JadeAppraisalKnowledge #JadeBeginner’sGuide #JadeKnowledgeSharing #JadeSelectionTips