Natural Jadeite VS Treated Imitations: Easily Distinguish Real from Fake Jadeite
Jadeite, known as the "King of Jades," has long been revered for its warm texture and vibrant colors. However, as market enthusiasm continues to rise, a variety of artificially treated imitations have emerged, making the jadeite market increasingly murky. For consumers, clarifying the fundamental differences between genuine jadeite and treated imitations and mastering practical identification methods have become essential steps to avoid being deceived and to truly appreciate the beauty of jadeite.
1. What Is Real Jadeite and What Is Fake Jadeite
In the jadeite industry, there is one core definition: only Type A Jadeite qualifies as “true jadeite”. Type A Jadeite refers to pure jadeite that, from mining the rough stone to the finished piece, undergoes only physical processes such as cutting, carving, and polishing. It is never chemically treated to alter its internal structure, chemical composition, or natural color. It retains all the innate characteristics formed by nature: a naturally diffused color palette, a variety of internal features like “cotton” and grain lines, and its inherent transparency each detail a testament to its natural origin. Conversely, what the market commonly refers to as Type B, Type C, Type B+C, and Type D jadeites all fall into the category of “fake jadeite.”
Type B Jadeite (Acid-Washed and Polymer-Impregnated Jadeite): This refers to jadeite that has been soaked and corroded in strong acid to remove impurities, followed by infusion with resin (polymer) for filling. This process severely damages the natural structure of the jadeite. While it may appear cleaner and more transparent in the short term, the resin will deteriorate over the years, leading to issues such as yellowing, dryness, and cracking. As a result, all aesthetic appeal is lost, and its value is completely compromised.
Type C Jadeite (Dyed Jadeite): This refers to products made from colorless or light-colored jadeite that have been artificially dyed. The process typically involves heating the jadeite to create micro-fissures and then immersing it in dye. The resulting color appears superficial, distributed along the fissures, and tends to look stiff and unnatural. Additionally, this color will fade over time.
Type B+C Jadeite is a combination of both Type B and Type C treatments. It refers to jadeite products that undergo strong acid etching, followed by dyeing, and are then impregnated with colorless or colored resin.
Type D Jadeite belongs to the category of non-jadeite imitations, which can be divided into two main groups:One group consists of other types of gemstones, such as Thai green jade, Malaysian green jade, Nanyang Dushan jade, Qinghai green jade, Mi jade, Australian green jade, and aventurine. The key differences between these imitations and true jadeite are their lower hardness, smaller density, and relatively dull, softer luster.
The other group includes artificially synthesized materials like glass and plastic. Most of these imitations have stiff and lifeless colors, along with weak luster, low density, and very low hardness (they can be easily scratched with a nail). Additionally, they lack the cool, smooth texture typical of natural jadeite when touched.
Understanding this classification is crucial: in the fields of gemstone appraisal and collection, "Type A" is not a grade of quality but an affirmation of its natural attributes. Only Type A jadeite possesses long-term wearing value, profound cultural significance, and stable investment and collection potential. All other treated products, regardless of how attractive their appearance may be, differ fundamentally in intrinsic value from natural jadeite.
Watch our curated showcase of Grade-A Burmese jadeite bangles. Notice the natural luster, authentic color transitions, and crystalline structure that distinguish genuine jadeite from treated imitations.
See the Difference: Authentic Jadeite Bangles Collection
2. Practical Methods for Authenticating Jadeite
To authenticate jadeite, it is essential to master a systematic approach to identification that progresses from sensory intuition to scientific verification. This enables you to navigate a complex and mixed market with confidence and poise. In the absence of specialized tools, fully utilizing your own senses for an initial assessment is the most direct and efficient method.
Observe the luster: Place the jadeite under natural light and rotate it slowly. Natural jadeite displays a clear, sharp glass-like luster, with bright and concentrated light reflection. Treated jadeite often has a duller luster, appearing waxy or oily, and lacks vibrancy.
Examine the color: Carefully observe the green areas. Natural jadeite exhibits a "color root," where the color transitions naturally from the inside out, with varying shades and rich layering. In contrast, dyed jadeite has color that appears superficial, looking uniform yet stiff, often distributed along internal fissures. Under transmitted light, a network of color lines may be visible.
Weigh by hand: Due to the relatively high density of jadeite, pieces of comparable size tend to have a noticeable weight. You can place the jadeite in your hand and feel its heft. If it feels substantial and has a distinct "weighty" or "pressing" sensation, it may be genuine. In contrast, fake jadeite often feels light and lacks this sense of heft. This method is particularly suitable for assessing medium-sized jadeite pieces.
Test by hardness: Genuine jadeite has high hardness. You can use a sharp object, such as the tip of a knife, to gently scratch the surface of the jadeite. If it is genuine, you will feel the surface is smooth, and no visible scratch will be left. If it is fake jadeite, sliding a knife across its surface will leave obvious scratches.
Identify by sound: Suspend the jadeite with a string in mid-air and gently tap it with a wooden stick, or lightly strike two pieces together. Genuine jadeite will produce a crisp, clear, and melodious sound, while fake jadeite will emit a dull, muffled sound, similar to tapping on plastic.
When sensory judgment is inconclusive, simple tools can reveal details difficult to detect with the naked eye. Use a magnifying glass to focus on the surface of the jadeite, especially in carved recesses and edges. Natural jadeite has a smooth surface, occasionally showing polishing marks. Acid-washed and polymer-impregnated Type B jadeite, when viewed under magnification, often reveals a grid-like pattern of acid erosion marks. These are "scars" left by strong acid corroding the crystal structure and serve as key evidence for identification.
In a darkroom environment, use an ultraviolet lamp to illuminate the jadeite. The vast majority of natural jadeite shows no fluorescence or only faint, localized fluorescence. In contrast, Type B or Type B+C jadeite that has been treated with resin filling typically emits overall, bright bluish-white or yellowish-green fluorescence. This phenomenon occurs because natural jadeite does not contain organic adhesives or waxes, whereas fake jadeite may retain resin-based chemical substances during processing, which fluoresce under ultraviolet light.
Natural jadeite is a product of nature and often contains "flaws" such as cotton-like inclusions, grain lines, and color variations. If a piece of jadeite appears intensely colored, perfectly transparent, flawless, yet is priced unusually low, it is likely a major trap. Remember, "high quality at a low price" is almost nonexistent in the high-end jadeite market. No single characteristic can determine authenticity with 100% certainty. For instance, top-grade jadeite may have very few "cotton" inclusions, and certain natural minerals can also cause fluorescence. Therefore, it is essential to combine multiple features such as luster, color, structure, sound, weight, and fluorescence to form a chain of mutually corroborating evidence. For higher-value jadeite, the most reliable safeguard is an appraisal certificate issued by an authoritative institution. Always request a certificate when making a purchase. Be sure to verify the authenticity of the certificate through the official website or QR code to ensure it matches the item. Only certificates that clearly state "Jadeite" (Type A) indicate a natural, genuine product.
Ready to Discover Your Authentic Jadeite?
Now that you understand how to distinguish genuine jadeite from imitations, explore our curated collection of certified Grade-A Burmese jadeite. Each piece tells a story of nature's artistry and carries profound spiritual energy.