How to Identify Real Jade: Debunking the Myth of the Cold Stone Test

How to Identify Real Jade: Debunking the Myth of the Cold Stone Test

"You can tell if jade is real by whether or not it's cold."
Fact or Cap?

Definitely cap. You can not determine if jade is real based on it's temperature.

Gemstones are a source of fascination for many people. They are beautiful and come in a variety of colors and shapes. Jade is one of the most popular gemstones and has been treasured for centuries. But how can you tell if a gemstone is jade or not? One popular belief is that if the stone is cold, it must be jade. However, this is not entirely true.

Firstly, many gemstones are cold to the touch. For example, turquoise, lapis lazuli, and onyx are just a few examples of gemstones that are often cold to the touch. So, just because a gemstone is cold doesn't necessarily mean it's jade.

jade barrel necklace

Even if jade were the only gemstone in the world that's cold to the touch, the temperature still wouldn't distinguish natural from treated jade. Many unscrupulous dealers treat jade to improve its color or to make it look more valuable. Treated jade may feel cold to the touch just like natural jade. Therefore, using temperature as a method to determine if a gemstone is jade is not reliable.

Another popular belief is that jade stays cold no matter what and won't warm up as you wear it. But this is also not true. Jade is a stone that reacts to body temperature. When you wear jade, it will absorb your body heat and become warmer. It's the same principle as why metal feels colder than wood, even though they are both at the same temperature.

So, how can you tell if a gemstone is jade or not?

All at-home jade tests are unreliable.
Send your jade in to Mason-Kay Jade for conclusive testing.

Back to blog
  • "Jade in China" Interview with Zemin Luo

    "Jade in China" Interview with Zemin Luo

    Please excuse any errors in this AI-generated transcript. Welcome to Jewels of the Trade. My name is Jordan and I'm here with Zemin  Luo, an independent gem and jewelry appraiser...

    "Jade in China" Interview with Zemin Luo

    Please excuse any errors in this AI-generated transcript. Welcome to Jewels of the Trade. My name is Jordan and I'm here with Zemin  Luo, an independent gem and jewelry appraiser...

  • The Omphacite Dilemma: My Take on "Fei Cui" Nomenclature

    The Omphacite Dilemma: My Take on "Fei Cui" Nom...

    This article has been a long time coming.  Please understand that my views do not represent the views of Mason-Kay Jade, any of their retail partners, or any JOTT Marketing...

    The Omphacite Dilemma: My Take on "Fei Cui" Nom...

    This article has been a long time coming.  Please understand that my views do not represent the views of Mason-Kay Jade, any of their retail partners, or any JOTT Marketing...

  • Turquoise Explained: Origins, Pricing, and Real Vs Fake

    Turquoise Explained: Origins, Pricing, and Real...

    This is a transcript of the JOTT video "Turquoise Explained" TIMESTAMPS 00:23 How to Tell if Turquoise is Real 00:48 Chrysocolla and Turquoise Rough 3:28 Turquoise History 3:44 Stabilized Turquoise...

    Turquoise Explained: Origins, Pricing, and Real...

    This is a transcript of the JOTT video "Turquoise Explained" TIMESTAMPS 00:23 How to Tell if Turquoise is Real 00:48 Chrysocolla and Turquoise Rough 3:28 Turquoise History 3:44 Stabilized Turquoise...

  • Translucency in Jadeite Jade | The Value of Icy Jades and the Meaning of Ice and Water Jades

    Translucency in Jadeite Jade | The Value of Icy...

    Which jade has translucency? There are two gemstones that are gemologically called "jade" in the US: Nephrite Jade and Jadeite Jade. Nephrite Jade is a microcrystalline amphibole, usually tremolite, that...

    Translucency in Jadeite Jade | The Value of Icy...

    Which jade has translucency? There are two gemstones that are gemologically called "jade" in the US: Nephrite Jade and Jadeite Jade. Nephrite Jade is a microcrystalline amphibole, usually tremolite, that...

1 of 4