How to Identify Real Jade: A Beginner’s Guide

Jade has fascinated collectors for centuries, but what many people call “jade” is often not jade at all. The term actually refers to **two distinct minerals** — jadeite and nephrite — which differ in structure, hardness, and color. Other stones, such as **serpentine (Xiuyu)** and **agate (Manao)**, are sometimes mistaken for jade due to their smooth texture and shine.

1. Jadeite (Feicui) — The Gem of Vivid Color

Jadeite is the rarer and harder form of jade, mainly found in Myanmar. It has a crystalline structure and comes in bright, varied colors — from the classic emerald green to lavender, white, and icy gray. When held up to light, fine jadeite appears slightly translucent, with fibrous internal patterns known as “water lines.” Its hardness is about 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale, which makes it resistant to scratching.

2. Nephrite (Ruanyu) — The Stone of Warm Softness

Nephrite is the traditional Chinese jade used for thousands of years, especially before jadeite became known. It has a more interwoven, fibrous structure, giving it a smooth, waxy texture. Colors range from creamy white (“mutton fat jade”) to shades of green and brown. Compared to jadeite, nephrite feels warmer to the touch and slightly softer, rated 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale.

3. Common Look-Alikes: Serpentine and Agate

• Serpentine (Xiuyu): Softer (Mohs 3–4), often has a greasy or soapy feel. It can look translucent but lacks jade’s dense internal texture.
• Agate (Manao): A type of quartz (Mohs 7), usually shows colorful banding and a glassy shine. It’s harder but not fibrous like jade.

4. Simple Tests You Can Try

• Sound Test: Tap two pieces gently. Real jade gives a clear, lingering tone; glass or plastic sounds dull.
• Scratch Test: Jadeite and nephrite can’t be scratched by a steel knife. If it scratches easily, it’s not real jade.
• Temperature: Real jade stays cool to the touch for a long time, while glass warms quickly.
• Look Under Light: Genuine jade shows fibrous or granular structures, not uniform transparency.

5. When to Get a Professional Appraisal

For valuable or inherited pieces, it’s worth getting a **gemological certificate (e.g., GIA or NGTC)**. These reports confirm whether the stone is jadeite, nephrite, or another mineral, and indicate if it has been treated with dyes or polymers.

Understanding the difference between jadeite, nephrite, and their imitators helps you appreciate jade not only for its beauty, but for its authenticity.