What Is Authentic Jade?
When people talk about genuine jade, they are usually referring to two stones: Jadeite and Nephrite. But not all jade sold in the market is truly authentic. Let’s break it down.
What Makes Jade Authentic?
Authentic jade means natural, untreated, and undyed stone. Any form of artificial treatment—whether bleaching, polymer filling, or dyeing—means the jade is no longer considered real or authentic.
The Two Types of Authentic Jade
Jadeite Jade (翡翠, Fei Cui)
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Known as hard jade
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Mohs hardness: 6.5–7
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Found mainly in Burma (Myanmar)
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Comes in a wide range of colors: rich greens, lavender, icy translucence, yellow, black, and many shades in between
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High-grade jadeite, such as Imperial Green, is among the most valuable gemstones in the world
Nephrite Jade (碧玉, Bi Yu)
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Known as soft jade
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Mohs hardness: 6–6.5
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Found worldwide, with the best quality from Xinjiang Province, Hetian (China)
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Common colors: white, green, yellow, and black
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Top-quality “mutton fat jade” is prized for its rich, creamy-white appearance and can even surpass some jadeite in value
What Is Not Authentic Jade?
The jade market is filled with other minerals that look like jade but are not jadeite or nephrite. Sellers often market them as “jade” to increase their value, but these are considered fake or imitation jade.
Jade Treatments and Grading
Because natural high-quality jade is rare, lower-quality jadeite is often artificially enhanced. These treatments improve appearance but reduce durability and long-term value.
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Grade A (Authentic Jade): Natural, untreated jadeite; only surface waxing allowed
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Grade B: Chemically bleached and polymer-filled to improve clarity; loses durability, unstable over time
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Grade C: Dyed to enhance color; fades or changes with sunlight; very low value
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Grade D: Composite materials (jadeite mixed with glass or plastic); not real jade
👉 Only Grade A jade is considered authentic jade.
Market Alert: Flood of Treated Jade
In recent years, Myanmar’s jade market has seen an influx of dyed, Grade C jadeite bangles and pendants. Traditionally, Burmese jade was left untreated, but treatments are becoming more common. Since most of the world’s jade bangles come from Burma, this trend makes it more important than ever for buyers to learn how to identify authentic jade.
Learn More About Jade
Want to deepen your knowledge of jade, jadeite, and nephrite?
Explore more on our Jade Education Blog.
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Comments
I love jade and have a dark green old piece of jade that I’m looking to find someone who can cut it or make use if it. It’s from China and not very common.
Burmese jade green and lavender
Thank you for sharing this info on read jade vs fake.