Jade is a highly valued gemstone that is known for its beautiful green color and durability. Whether you are a collector, a jewelry designer, or just curious about gemstones, this post is for you.
Because there are many other stones that are similar in appearance to jade and can be easily mistaken for it. In this post, we will be discussing 9 stones that are often mistaken for jade but are actually not.
We will be showing you images of these stones and explaining their unique characteristics so you can tell them apart from jade. So without further ado, let’s dive into these 9 stones that might confuse you.
Are there stones that look like Jade?
There are various other stones that have similar qualities to Jade.
In particular, Serpentine and Aventurine both have the same earthy green hue and are quite popular for their striking aesthetics.
Other than these two, Chalcedony, Ammolite and Chrysoprase also have similarities in appearance to Jade.
Here is a quick summary of some stones that can be mistaken for Jade:
- Serpentine: this has the same shades of green as Jade and comes in several different forms;
- Aventurine: often found in jewelry, it has a similar lustrous look to Jade;
- Chalcedony: appears with subtle brown tones as well as lighter greens that are close to the hues of Jade;
- Ammolite: its distinctive black spots on its greenish surface are easy to spot when comparing it to jade;
- Chrysoprase: bright minty greens along with their glassy texture can sometimes make it hard to distinguish from jade.
As there are many stones that share the same attributes as jade, so it’s important to properly identify them before making any purchase.
9 Stones that look like jade but they are not
This section will focus on nine stones that are often mistaken for jade, yet in fact are not.
We will explore the similarities between jade and these stones, as well as some key differences which help to distinguish them from true jade.
The range of colors and features that these stones possess can make them attractive options for those seeking an alternative to jade.
1) Serpentine
Serpentine is a green stone often mistaken for jade.
This stone was named after the Greek word for snake due to its wavy pattern resembling the movement of a snake.
It ranges in colour from deep greens to lighter shades of green and has an attractive mottled or spotted appearance.
Serpentine is commonly used in jewellery, sculpture, and home decor due to its striking visual appearance and interesting composition.
Additionally, it has been said that the Serpentine can be used for spiritual healing and emotional support due to its energetic vibrations.
2) Amazonite
Amazonite is a semi-precious stone that resembles jade in its appearance, but it has a lighter color and a hardness that makes it unsuitable for many of the traditional uses of jade.
Amazonite is known for its beautiful sky-blue and green color tones and its highly glossy finish, which can make jewelry items particularly attractive.
The stone’s mineral structure also gives it an interesting pattern of light reflecting layers.
Though Amazonite shares some similarities with jade, its strength and bright colors give it a unique character, making it popular for decoration and healing purposes.
3) Chrysoprase
Chrysoprase is a form of Chalcedony, known for its vivid green colouring.
While the shade and texture may resemble jade, it is an entirely different mineral that forms in areas of iron-rich soils and outcroppings.
Its hues range from light apple green to deeper forest tones.
A rare semi-precious stone, Chrysoprase is said to bring optimism, joy and promotes overall well being.
This variety of Chalcedony has also been used throughout history in decorative jewellery such as pendants and earrings due to its vibrant colouring.
4) Aventurine
Aventurine is a type of quartz known for its green color, often mistaken for jade.
It typically contains small inclusions that give the stone a sparkling effect, which is sometimes called the “aventurescence”.
It has long been used to make jewelry and other decorative items and was even thought to have healing properties.
While Aventurine may look like jade, it can easily be distinguished by its green hue and glittering inclusions. Additionally, it’s much more affordable than true jade.
All in all, Aventurine makes for a stunning and cost-effective alternative to jade. But it’s important you cleanse it regularly.
5) Maw Sit Sit
Maw Sit Sit is a type of jade-like rock, composed mainly of kosmochlor and albite. Its appearance resembles that of traditional jade, but its chemical composition sets it apart.
Its distinct coloring includes dark green, black, yellow, and white patterns that give Maw Sit Sit an eye-catching aesthetic.
This unique mineral can be found in Myanmar and other locations across the world.
6) Afghanite
Afghanite is a beautiful mineral that is often mistaken for jade due to its similar green and white speckled appearance.
It was first discovered in the Badakhshan Province of Afghanistan and is typically opaque to translucent with an excellent luster.
This stunning mineral can vary in hues of deep greens, blues, greys, and browns, but only displays its magnificent color when it has been polished or faceted.
Although Afghanite can be visually mistaken for jade, it has a much lower Mohs hardness scale at 5.5-6.5 as compared to Jade’s 6.5-7 rating.
7) Grossular Garnet
Grossular Garnet is a variety of garnets with a distinct green color that often resembles jade.
It ranges from olive-green to yellowish-green, or even reddish hues depending on its origin.
Grossular garnet typically contains trace amounts of chromium, vanadium and iron which causes the unique colours.
When cut and polished into cabochons, Grossular Garnet makes an eye-catching piece of jewelry due to its high clarity and its gemmy glow.
This gemstone has been popular since the 19th century, prized for its unusual coloring and affordability.
8) Chrysocolla
Chrysocolla is a gemstone with vivid colors ranging from bright blues and greens to deep turquoise.
While it may appear similar to jade, chrysocolla is actually composed of different minerals and is not considered a true jade stone.
Its distinctive greenish-blue color comes from the combination of copper and silica-based minerals.
Chrysocolla is a popular ornamental stone for jewelry due to its bright colors, though it can be more brittle than other gems.
9) Turquoise
Turquoise is a unique stone with a distinctive greenish-blue hue. It can often be mistaken for jade, due to its color and resemblance to the ornamental stone.
However, it is easily distinguishable because of its light-to-dark blue tones and texture that is waxy rather than smooth like jade.
Additionally, it has different physical characteristics such as hardness, durability and strength.
These stones have been treasured since ancient times and have many uses ranging from jewelry to talismans.
Turquoise remains a sought-after mineral today and has become an iconic gem in modern society. Turquoise is also commonly mistaken for other crystals.
How do I know if it’s a real Jade stone? 5 Ways
The quality of jade stones can be hard to tell, but there are certain ways to make sure you have the real deal.
Now we’ll discuss 5 reliable indicators of genuine jade stones that will help you determine their authenticity.
1) Examine the Color
Examining the color is one way to tell if a jade stone is real. Check for even and consistent colors, whether its green, lavender, yellow or white.
Inspect the stone closely to identify any blemishes or spots that might indicate it’s not real.
Other methods of authenticating jade are feeling for texture, testing for weight and clarity, and using a magnifying glass to check for veining.
2) Check the Clarity
To check the clarity of a jade stone, hold it up to the light and look closely at its surface.
A real jade should appear transparent with a smooth texture, rather than cloudy or milky.
Depending on the quality, you may even see small fractures in the stone that are still considered acceptable. If it appears unclear, it may not be genuine.
3) Inspect the Cut
Inspecting the cut of a jade stone is a good way to determine its authenticity.
If it appears waxy, there may be an indication that the material is actually something else.
Additionally, an authentic jade should have a smooth finish, no visible flaws and even symmetry when examined under magnification.
4) Feel the Weight
To check if a jade stone is genuine, feel its weight – it should be relatively heavy. Observe its surface and make sure there are no scratches or abrasions.
Inspect the edges to see if they’re sharp and distinct. Check for translucency, real jade will be slightly translucent when held up to the light.
Finally, examine the color; authentic jade can range from vibrant green to white.
5) Research the Retailer
To ensure a real jade stone, research the retailer. Check reviews, visit their website, and inquire about their certifications.
Ask if they offer lab testing services for authenticity. Evaluate their return policy to verify trustworthiness. Compare prices with other sources for an informed decision.
It’s also important to be aware that there are many jade imitations on the market, such as jadeite glass, and synthetic jade.
These imitations may look similar to real jade, but they are not as valuable or durable.
Final Words
Whether it’s green serpentine, azurite malachite, nephrite jade, or even soapstone, these 9 stones may look like Jade but they are not!
All of them offer unique colors and properties to make each one special. Now that you know the differences between these stones, you can make an educated choice when choosing the right one for you.
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