How to Distinguish Artificial Jadeite

Hold the sample in question up to a bright light source, such as a naked light bulb. Inspect the internal structure of the sample through the X10 loupe. If possible, look at the thinnest outside edge of the sample to detect any transparency. Look for small interwoven fibrous structures that look like cloth weave or cross-hatch patterns. Any irregularity in the internal structure indicates real jadeite. Any smooth overlay patterns, such as sheets lying over each other, show that the sample is not solid but layered with thin sheets of jadeite that have been glued on.

Test the density of the sample against a real piece of jade of approximately the same size. Weigh both pieces. If the sample weighs significantly less than the jade, it's artificial. Toss both samples in the air and catch them. Feel the weight as they land in your palm. Artificial jade will have a light contact feel; true jade, because of its density, will have a harder, solid impact.

Knock the true jade and the sample together next to your ear. If you hear a sharp, ringing click, the sample is real jadeite. If the sound resembles that of two plastic beads making contact -- a softer, mushier noise -- the sample is artificial.

Place a real piece of jade in your palm and lightly close your fingers over it. It should feel cold, with a soap-like consistency. Real jade should take a while to warm in your hand because of its dense structure. Artificial jade will not feel cold or like soap. It also will warm more quickly than true jadeite will.

Wrap a long strand of hair around the sample. Suspend the sample in the air and hold a lighter flame to the underside of it for one second -- not directly on the hair. If the hair burns away, the sample is artificial. Try this test with a true jade gem. The hair will take much longer to burn away. The artificial sample conducts heat more quickly because of its lighter density.

Place a genuine piece of jade on a flat surface, preferably with the raw side up, so you will not damage the shown face. Drag the blunt end of a pair of scissors across the gem's surface. If a scratch line appears, wipe it clean and look for a deeper, more permanent scratch Real jade will not scratch readily because of its extreme hardness. A scratch in the surface of an artificial piece will be more noticeable and will leave more scratch residue.