How do you test jade to see if it's real? I have some jade carvings that were gifts and I would like to know what tests can be done to verify age, etc. I am a novice who is just beginning to learn about jade and would appreciate any information that more knowlagable collectors could impart.
To: devo59 You are asking for a number of issues that are not easily understood. First, without a lab and extensive and expensive equipment, it is just about impossible to confirm if your jade piece is nephrite, jadeite, or some look-alike material. Without a sophisticated lab, it's just a guess to confirm what you have in your hand. And as far as age goes, the jade you have could be millions of years old.... and still not be worth much, if anything. I suggest you read some of the many books about jade so you can get the idea just how difficult Jade ID really is. Good luck in your search, Fred Ward Friends of Jade
Fred, thank you for your reply as i said I am a novice and just beginning to research jade. When I said how old the jade was, I was inquiring about determining when it was carved. I do have a slight idea on how hard it is to ID jade and that is why I had asked more knowlegable individuals.
Thanks again for taking the time to reply, i will get some literature and start from there.
You are asking for a number of issues that are not easily understood. First, without a lab and extensive and expensive equipment, it is just about impossible to confirm if your jade piece is nephrite, jadeite, or some look-alike material. Without a sophisticated lab, it's just a guess to confirm what you have in your hand. And as far as age goes, the jade you have could be millions of years old.... and still not be worth much, if anything. I suggest you read some of the many books about jade so you can get the idea just how difficult Jade ID really is.
Good luck in your search,
Fred Ward Friends of Jade
Thanks again for taking the time to reply, i will get some literature and start from there.
The hardest question to answer is the age, as there are no "scientific" objective tests for that.
Best of luck on your long journey of studying jades!