Lavender jade is a sought-after gemstone that’s both beautiful and valuable.
But with so many fake versions on the market, it can be difficult to tell if the stone you’re looking at is real or not.
That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide, filled with expert tips and advice to help you determine if the lavender jade you’ve got your eye on is genuine.
We’ll take you through the key points of inspection, including examining the colour, texture, weight, and shape of the stone, as well as how to tell it apart from other types of jade.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
The best way to tell if your lavender jade is real is to have it evaluated by a qualified gemologist.
They will be able to examine the stone under a microscope to determine its authenticity.
You can also look for certain characteristics, such as a glass-like or waxy luster, translucent to opaque body, and even surface striations or mottling, which are indicative of real lavender jade.
Lastly, you can also have it tested with a gemstone testing kit, which is a device that can detect the presence of certain minerals in the stone.
What is Lavender Jade?
Lavender jade is a semi-precious gemstone that is prized for its unique purple-lavender color.
It is also sometimes referred to as lavender or lilac jade, and is a type of jadeite.
The stone is believed to have healing and calming properties, and is often used in jewelry, carvings, and other decorative items.
Lavender jade is found mainly in Myanmar, as well as in parts of China and Tibet.
It is a relatively rare stone, and its color and beauty make it highly coveted.
While it is not as valuable as some other jade stones, it is still prized by those who appreciate its unique hue and aesthetics.
Examining the Colour of the Stone
When it comes to identifying real lavender jade, the colour of the stone is a good place to start.
Genuine lavender jade should have a strong, distinct lavender colour, with a slight blue tint.
It is important to note that the colour of the stone may vary slightly, depending on the source and quality of the jade.
For example, higher quality jade may have a richer, more vibrant lavender hue than lower quality jade.
To identify the colour of the stone, it is best to compare it to other known sources of lavender jade.
If the stone looks similar in colour to those sources, then it is likely real.
It is also important to remember that the colour of the stone may be affected by external factors such as lighting or temperature.
If possible, compare the stone in both natural and artificial light to get a better idea of its true colour.
If the stone has an unnatural colour or hue, then it is likely not real.
In addition, if the stone appears to have a different colour on different parts of the stone, then it is likely not genuine.
Checking the Stone’s Texture
When it comes to telling if lavender jade is real, examining the stone’s texture is an important step.
Lavender jade should have a smooth, glossy finish, with no visible cracks or chips.
If the stone is rough or has visible imperfections, it is most likely not genuine.
To check the texture of the stone, start by running your fingers over it gently.
Does it feel smooth and silky? If so, then the stone may be real.
If, however, the stone feels rough or has any type of ridges or bumps, then it is likely not genuine.
In addition to running your fingers over the stone, you can also use a magnifying glass or microscope to inspect it more closely.
Inspect the stone for any visible scratches, chips, or cracks.
If you see any of these, then the stone is most likely not genuine.
Finally, you can also use the “spit test” to check the stone’s texture.
This involves spitting on the stone and rubbing it with your thumb.
If the stone is real, the spit will cause the stone to become glossy and shiny.
If the stone is not genuine, the spit will not change the stone’s appearance at all.
By checking the stone’s texture, you can get a good indication of whether or not the lavender jade is real.
If the stone is smooth and glossy, with no visible imperfections, then it is most likely real.
However, if the stone is rough or has any type of ridges or bumps, then it is likely not genuine.
Testing the Weight of the Stone
When inspecting a stone to determine whether it is real lavender jade, one of the most important tests to conduct is to assess the stones weight.
Authentic lavender jade is heavier for its size than other types of jade, so if the stone feels light when held, it may not be genuine.
To accurately test the weight of the stone, it is best to use a digital scale or jewelry scale that is calibrated to measure in either carats or grams.
Place the stone on the scale and record the weight.
Compare the weight to the weight of similar-sized stones of other types of jade to get a general sense of the stone’s density.
Real lavender jade will feel solid and dense when held and will have a higher weight than other types of jade.
As the stone is quite hard, it may also feel slightly heavier than other gemstones of the same size.
However, it is important to remember that the weight of lavender jade can vary depending on the cut and other factors, so it is best to use this test in combination with other tests.
In addition to testing the weight of the stone, you can also use a gemstone refractometer to measure the refractive index of the stone.
Genuine lavender jade has a refractive index of 1.64-1.66, so if the stones refractive index does not match this range, it is likely not real lavender jade.
By combining all of these tests, you can confidently determine if your lavender jade is real or not.
Comparing Lavender Jade to Other Types of Jade
When it comes to identifying real lavender jade, it is important to understand the differences between various types of jade. While all jade is a type of metamorphic rock, there are two main categories of jade: nephrite and jadeite. Nephrite jade is typically found in shades of green and white, and is much more common than jadeite. On the other hand, jadeite is much rarer, and is found in a variety of colors, including lavender.
When it comes to identifying real lavender jade, it is important to compare it to other types of jade.
For example, it is important to note the differences between nephrite and jadeite.
Nephrite jade typically has a softer texture and is more likely to have visible cracks or chips, whereas jadeite is much harder and will typically have a smoother, glossy finish.
In addition, nephrite jade is usually much lighter than jadeite, so if the stone feels light, it is likely not genuine.
Furthermore, real lavender jade is also distinct from other types of colored jade.
For instance, pink jade, which is a type of jadeite, is much lighter in color than lavender jade.
Furthermore, lavender jade is usually much darker in color, with a strong lavender hue and a slight blue tint.
In addition, some types of lavender jade have a unique sparkle, which is not present in other types of jade.
By understanding the differences between various types of jade, you can confidently determine if your lavender jade is real or not.
With careful examination, you can easily distinguish real lavender jade from other types of jade.
In addition, by comparing the stone’s color, texture, and weight, you can confidently determine if your lavender jade is genuine or not.
Inspecting the Shape and Size of the Stone
When it comes to identifying real lavender jade, it’s important to pay attention to the shape and size of the stone.
Genuine lavender jade typically has a spheroid shape, which can range from round to oval.
Real jade stones will also have an even size throughout, without any bumps or irregularities.
Furthermore, lavender jade usually has a smaller size than other types of jade, so if the stone is larger than expected, it may not be genuine.
So, when examining your lavender jade, make sure to check the shape and size of the stone to ensure it is authentic.
Authenticating Lavender Jade
Authenticating lavender jade can be a tricky task, but it doesn’t have to be.
With the right information and careful examination, anyone can tell if their lavender jade is genuine or not.
To start, examine the colour of the stone.
Real lavender jade should have a strong, vibrant lavender colour, with a slight blue tint.
It should look almost like a lavender sunset, with the stone radiating warmth and energy.
Next, check the stone’s texture.
Lavender jade will have a smooth, glossy finish, with no visible cracks or chips.
It will be shiny and reflective, with a polished look that will draw the eye.
Finally, inspect the stone’s weight.
Real lavender jade is heavy for its size, so if the stone feels light, it may not be genuine.
Additionally, the density of lavender jade can also be tested with a diamond tester.
In addition to these three steps, examining the stones inclusions can also be helpful in the authentication process.
Real lavender jade often has small inclusions and discolorations, so if the stone appears to be flawless, it may not be genuine.
Additionally, if the stone has a strong smell, it may be a sign of artificial treatment.
By taking all of these steps into consideration, you can confidently determine if your lavender jade is real or not.
With the right information and careful examination, you can be sure that you are getting the genuine article.
Final Thoughts
Identifying real lavender jade doesn’t have to be difficult.
With the right knowledge and careful examination, anyone can tell if their lavender jade is genuine or not.
Examine the colour, texture, weight, shape, and size of the stone, and compare it to other types of jade.
If you’re still unsure, you may need to have it authenticated by a professional.
Now that you know the expert tips for telling if lavender jade is real, you can confidently make your next purchase.