Natural Vs. Treated Jade

A History of Jade Treatment

There are two main types of treatments for jadeite jade that are difficult to detect. Dye ('C' jade) and impregnation of polymer, wax, or resin ('B' jade) - often used together ('B+C' jade).

Dyed jadeite jade ('C' jade) was not common before the 1980's, though it did exist.

The early 1980's marked the introduction of undisclosed 'B' jade to the market. This material had a light, bright body color and good translucence. Some dealers noticed a ‘spidery’ texture when viewed under 20x magnification. Prices were reasonable for such quality - too reasonable - based on values at the time. This marked the beginning of what has since been called ‘B’ jade which, combined with dye ('B+C' jade) continues to be by far the most common form of treated jade - and the hardest to detect.

Buyer Beware - Consumers should make sure to purchase jade only from a reliable source and ask for a guarantee.

Note: Other jade treatments that are easier to detect include doublets (backing the jade with another material), and hollowing the stone back of the (to enhance translucency). Even though these treatments are easier to see, a seller still must disclose them.

Real Vs Fake Jade

Is it appropriate to call 'B' jade fake jade? After all, it is largely comprised of polymer, wax, or resin. Technically speaking, it is still considered genuine jadeite jade. However, there are many non-jade gemstones on the market posing as jade without disclosure.

Jeff Mason, G.G., explains the problems of 'B' jade and fake jade (jade simulants) in the video below.

How Can You Tell if Jade is Treated?

Even experts cannot be certain by eye alone whether or not a piece is ‘A’ or ‘B’ jade. Standard gemological testing is inconclusive (refractive index and specific gravity are either unchanged, or insufficiently changed to make a definitive conclusion). Hardness can be affected, but to test for it means marring the stone permanently. So how to be certain a stone is ‘A’ or ‘B’?

First of all, ask. Sometimes you might hear a straightforward answer. If not, the best clue is price vs. value. If it's too good to be true, it usually is. Also, be suspicious if the stone exhibits brightness and translucence, and is a calibrated size. Under examination with a loupe, if there is a web-like consistency on the jade’s surface or if the color appears to ‘float’ in the stone, also be wary.

In 1990, the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) developed a technique that definitively, and in a non-destructive manner, can test for the presence of polymers within a jade’s interior: infrared spectroscopy. Polymers leave a tell-tale trace in the infrared spectrum. A machine called an infrared spectrometer can detect this trace quite clearly.

Mason-Kay has been equipped with its own infrared spectrometer since 1995. We are well known for our jade testing and evaluation services to the jewelry industry, and are proud to offer this service to the public as well. Learn more about our jade testing services.

Is Beeswax Coating a "Treatment?"

It is traditional for jadeite jade to be coated with a thin layer of wax to protect the porosity of the stone from outside dyes, chemicals, and staining. While this is considered a treatment, it does not disqualify a jadeite jade stone from being called natural 'A' jade. The reason for this is because the beeswax does not affect the appearance or value of the stone, and it is not permanent.

We support the use of beeswax coating because it protects the stone. While the beeswax will naturally be removed over time with wear, it is easily replaced with the wearer's skin oils. We encourage customers to rub and touch their jade so that their skin oils will replace the beeswax and continue to protect the jade and keep it's shine. As Kris the Jade Lady loves to say, "Jade loves LOVE!" So love your jade!

What about Disclosure?

The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) guidelines for gem enhancement require disclosure if the enhancement is not permanent, requires special care or significantly affects the value of the gemstone. With full disclosure, the selling of 'B' jade is acceptable. However, many retailers and wholesalers in the U.S. and abroad continue not to disclose.Read more.

How is 'B' Jade Made?

Poor quality jade rough with internal ‘staining' and/or structural flaws is immersed in a powerful acid (sulfuric or hydrochloric) which is sometimes heated to increase its strength. This emersion process can be repeated and can last for several weeks. The working fumes are quite toxic and this procedure is not without risk. The resulting stone has now been changed: the sodium in the sodium silicate of jade’s structure has been leached out and with them the internal stains. At this point, many experts say, the stone is no longer jadeite jade at all. The stone is then put into a neutralizing agent, after which it is impregnated with polymer with the use of a centrifuge. The stone is then entirely covered with a hard, clear plastic-like coating. Cutting and polishing are then performed as they would be on any jade stone.

Is 'B' Jade as Durable as Natural Jade?

No. ‘B' jade can, in time, become unstable and often discolor. In contrast to natural jade's renowned durability, 'B' jade can be so brittle as to fracture with only minimal impact. Heavy prongs or bezels can actually penetrate the weakened surface of the treated stone. Even ordinary household detergents and simple acetone (used for cleaning and removing natural jade from glued settings) can break down the polymer. There are even reports of ‘acid leaks’ from improperly neutralized stones which can result in skin burns.

Is Nephrite "Real" Jade?

Yes! While the majority of our inventory at Mason-Kay Jade is natural, untreated jadeite jade, it's important to understand that there are two gemstones called jade: Nephrite jade and jadeite jade.

Learn More

How Much is ‘B' Jade Worth?

Its value is considered to be approximately 5% to 10% of the value of its ‘A’ jade equivalent. Although for some, ‘B’ jade has no value because it is no longer truly jadeite. The value of ‘C’ and ‘D’ jade is worth between $2-$20.

Mason-Kay is pleased to provide this concise guide to Natural Jade vs. Treated Jade. Treated and dyed jade has been a concern for many years. It is important for both retailers and consumers to be aware of the potential risk.

At-Home Jade Testing

Many online soures promise reliable at-home testing methods to determine if your jade is "real" or "fake," having no understanding of the complex nature of the two jades, jadeite jade treatments, and the characteristic similarities between jade and it's simulants. Here we'll explain why so many at-home jade testing methods are inconclusive.

If you want conclusive testing on whether your stone is jadeite jade, and (if jadeite jade) whether it's treated, you can send your piece in to Mason-Kay in Colorado for testing services.

Learn More about Jade Testing

The UV Test

Many people believe that if you shine a UV light on a jade stone, it will tell them if it's natural or treated. This is based on the belief that all treated jade fluoresces, which simply is not true. Some impregnated jades will fluoresce, but not all of them depending on the material used in treatment.

If you light your jade bangle with a UV light and it does not fluoresce, that doesn't really mean anything. Additionally, the beeswax coating commonly applied to jade's surface may be slightly fluorescent. So if your UV light does detect fluorescence, it's only an indicator of treatment if the fluorescence is high.

The Ping Test (for bangles)

Many online sources will tell you that if you strike a solid bangle and it emits a ping sound, then it must be natural, untreated jade. Here are the problems with this:

  • Not all natural jade pings. A natural jade bangle will only ping if it has no internal fractures or inconsistencies with the microstructure (varying crystal sizes or directions, etc), and if it is highly translucent. So many opaque bangles will not ping, and yet, they are natural/untreated.
  • Quartz bangles ping. Quartz is the #1 simulant of natural jade. It is more common than treated jade, and probably more common than all of jade's other simulants combined. And quartz has sonority, therefore it will ping.

If you test a bangle properly (for instance, using gemological testing such as refractometry) and can determine that the bangle is in fact jadeite jade - then it's worthwhile to test it for a ping. If it does ping, it's probably natural. If it is translucent but doesn't ping, then it may be treated. However, there are exceptions to every rule - so we recommend sending your jade bangle to a reputable laboratory for testing. If you don't want to send it to GIA or another large lab, Mason-Kay offers lab testing services.

The Cold Test

Some websites promise that if you touch a bangle and it's cold, it must be jade. There are two major problems with this test:

  1. Other gemstones can be cold.
  2. Jade can be warm if it's been sitting under a hot light, in the sun, or if it's been recently worn.

Office & Customer Service Hours:

We love to have direct contact with our customers. Natural jade is a very unique gemstone and we encourage you to call with any questions or concerns.

  • Click here if you have jade to sell.
  • Click here if you are interested in our Jade Testing or Jade Valuation Services.

Office & Customer Service Hours:

  • 888-MASONKAY (888) 627-6652 or (303) 393-7575
  • Monday-Friday 9am – 5pm Mountain Time (11am-7pm Eastern Time)
  • Email us anytime kris@masonkay.com