Article: The Jade Enigma by Jill M. Hobbs
Republished with kind permission from Gems & Gemology ® the quarterly journal of the Gemological Institute of America
Introduction
Jade is one of the most misunderstood gemstones. It is actually two separate materials: jadeite and nephrite. Together, these materials have more simulants than most other gems. Thus, it is important to know the various simulants, and to understand how to separate them from jade. This article examines the key identifying properties of green jade (jadeite and nephrite) and contrasts them with the properties of the ten most common green jade simulants. Simple visual techniques are emphasized, as well as the appropriate gemological tests.
Landscape with hermits and a crane, Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Jade (nephrite), H. 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm); L. 19 5/8 in. (49.8 cm), The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Object Number 39.65.22a, b, Bequest of Jacob Ruppert, 1939
Gems & Gemology ® is the quarterly journal of the Gemological Institute of America, who have kindly granted us permission to share this material.
Established in 1931, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, colored stones, and pearls. A public benefit, nonprofit institute, GIA is the leading source of knowledge, standards, and education in gems and jewelry.
You can find the original article on their website, as well as many other fascinating pieces of news and research in the field of gemology.
Clickthrough thumbnail image: Knotted dragon pendant, Eastern Zhou dynasty (770–256 BCE), 3rd century BCE, China, Jade (nephrite), H. 3 1/8 in. (7.9 cm); W. 2 1/16 in. (5.2 cm), Gift of Ernest Erickson Foundation, 1985, The Metropolitan Museum, Object Number 1985.214.99, Accessed 26th October 2025 https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/39637