How to tell if jadeite is real
This page lists practical, non-destructive checks you can do yourself and explains which confirmatory tests a lab will run. It covers visual inspection, simple hand tests, and when to seek a gemologist for instruments and certification.
Quick facts
- Hardness
- 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale
- Jade type
- one of the two minerals sold as jade
What jadeite is
Jadeite is one of the two minerals sold as jade. The other commonly sold mineral is nephrite. Both are called jade in the trade, but they differ in structure and appearance. If someone only says “jade” ask whether the piece is jadeite or nephrite.
Quick visual checks you can do at home
Examine the stone under good light with a loupe or magnifying glass. Real jadeite often shows a fibrous or granular texture and a slightly mottled colour rather than a perfectly uniform tone. Look for natural inclusions, thin color concentrations along fractures, and a smooth, waxy to glassy luster. Be wary of perfectly even, glass-like colour or air bubbles — those are signs of glass or some imitations. Use a cotton swab and a drop of acetone on an inconspicuous spot to test for surface dye; if colour comes off, the stone has been dyed.
Touch, heft and sound
Hold the stone against your cheek; real jadeite feels cool to the touch longer than glass or plastic. Jadeite has a relatively high density; a small piece of genuine jadeite will feel heavier than a similarly sized plastic or resin imitation. Gently tap a loose bead or pendant with a metal tool — real jadeite often produces a short, clear ringing sound, while glass and plastic sound duller. Do not force tests that could damage a set piece.
Hardness and scratch caution
Jadeite has a moderate hardness: 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. That means it resists scratching by many common materials but can be scratched by harder gems and abrasives. Do not perform aggressive scratch tests on jewellery you want to keep; surface abrasions and treatments can be hard to reverse and can reduce value. If someone insists on scratching the stone to prove hardness, decline and seek a professional opinion.
When to use professional gem testing
If visual and hand tests leave doubt, a gemologist will run non-destructive instrument tests: refractive index, specific gravity, and examination under a gem microscope and polarized light. Labs can detect dye, impregnation, glass filling, and polymer treatments, and they can distinguish jadeite from nephrite and from look-alikes such as serpentine, chalcedony, or glass. Ask for a written report that lists tests and clear identification.
Next steps and resources
For a reliable result, take the piece to an accredited gem laboratory or a registered gemologist. Keep any certificates with the piece and note any treatment disclosures on invoices. If you want a quick preliminary check from photos and basic details, try Jewelry Identifier as a first screen; follow up with a lab for a definitive report.
Common questions
- Can a scratch test tell me if jadeite is real?
- A scratch test is not recommended on finished jewellery because it can damage the piece and many imitations have surface treatments that complicate results. Because jadeite is 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, only certain harder materials will scratch it. The safest route is instrument testing by a professional.
- How can I tell jadeite from glass or plastic?
- Check for cold feel and weight — real jadeite stays cooler and feels denser. Look for natural texture under magnification and for tiny inclusions or fibrous structure. Glass often has air bubbles and overly uniform colour; plastic is lighter and warms quickly in your hand. If still unsure, request refractive index or specific gravity testing from a gem lab.
- Are there common treatments to watch for?
- Yes. Jadeite can be dyed, impregnated with polymers, or even assembled with glass. Dye can often be detected with acetone on an inconspicuous spot; polymer impregnation and glass filling require lab instruments to detect. Always ask the seller to disclose treatments and obtain a laboratory report for high-value pieces.