Simulants

Jade is probably the most mis-identified of all important gemstones. There are many minerals that have a passing resemblance to jadeite and nephrite, and they are often misrepresented as jade. The high value of jade has made it a favorite target.

In East Asia, and elsewhere, it is not unusual to find other "hardstones" sold as one form or another of jade. The terms "new jade", "Hunan jade", "Sinkiang jade", "Khotan jade" and "Korean jade" all refer to stones other than jade, as do "Transvaal jade" and "Queensland jade".

A few common jade simulants are listed below :

- serpentine also known as "Korean jade" or "Suzhou jade". Serpentine has a somewhat fibrous texture and is often used in carvings. It is softer than jade, with different fracturing. R.I. : 1.56

five "pi" discs : from left to right, chrysoprase, maw sit sit, three serpentine discs

- soapstone also known as steatite, or talc. This is much softer than jade, and is easily scratched with a knife- blade. It is only used for figurines.-Chalcedony This is another form of quartz that is used to simulate white jade, (nephrite), and other colors. In its finest green form it is called Chrysophase, and is often sold as "Australian jade". Conchoidal fractures, even color. R.I. : 1.54

- glass: long used as a jade simulant, glass is almost always discernible by gas bubbles in its interior, (a 10x loupe is sufficient). So-called "Peking glass" looks like jade until examined closely.

A Japanese product developed in the 1970's "meta-jade", glass with dendrite-like inclusionsgreen quartz : almost always dyed, green quartz can be the most convincing of all jadeite simulants. Usually seen in cabochon form, with high luster. R.I. : 1.54 aventurine : platelets of chromium mica characterizes this form of quartz. Aventurine appears crystalline with vitreous luster. It is often cut into beads and jewelry, but material is usually spotty. R.I. : 1.54

three "pi" discs of aventurine quartz

- chalcedony:this is another form of quartz that is used to simulate white jade and other colors. In its finest green form it is called chrysoprase, and is often sold as "Australian jade'". Conchoidal fractures, even color. R.I. : 1.54

chrysoprase cabochon (Israël)

- hydrogrossular garnet, often sold as "Transvaal jade"

five hydrogrossular garnets (South Africa)

- other common jade simulants are carnelian for red jade, muscovite or zoisite for lavender jade, and bowenite for green jade. In addition, watch for calcite, prehnite, idocrase, jasper and malachite.