Palace Antique

Jade Identification


By Mitchell Chen

In the article on Mineralogical Studies of Archaic Jades (p. 199 no. 32, Acta Geological Taiwanica), Prof. Tsien, H. H. has presented the scientific method on jades identification. Since then, the scientific method on jades identification by Prof. Tsien has gained universal acceptance from both academia and professionals. According to Prof. Tsien, Identification of jade antiques consists of three aspects:
1. authenticity of jade antiques ,

2. material composition identification,

3. time period verification.
Authenticity of jade antiques may be verified through certain physical and chemical characteristics including dissolved pits, cleaving veins ,differential weathering, diffusive markings, exposure crystals, underground deteriorations and a secondary crystal plane.
(Please point to each picture for detailed explanation) which are suitable to serve criteria of authenticity of jade artifacts:
= Additionally, material composition may be reliably and scientifically identified through instruments such as a reflectometer and Raman spectrometer. Generally, nephrite has a reflection rate of 1.61 or has a prominent mode within the low wavenumber range of 600-800 and around 3700 high wave number reading via Raman spectrometer. In addition, the hardness of nephrite is 6.5 to 7, while the serpentine has a hardness of 5 to 6. The hardness can be tested by a knife on an not important spot.
To identify the time period to which a particular jade artifact may be based on factors including carving style, motifs and designs of the object considered. According to Dr. Daphne Rosenzweig, jade artifacts should be dated via analytical and systematic approaches.

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We provide online identification service (including appraisal) for US$ 50 each paid via PayPal: exoticjades@gmail.com
For more information, please Email: mmitchellchen@gmail.com

An example of genuine and fake jades comparison( left: genuine.right: fake)