Method and identification of artificial color change of jadeite
Jiangyin Suofei Electronic Technology Co.,Ltd. , https://www.suofeiscales.com
August 07 06:38:32, 2025
In today's jade market, the prevalence of fake products can be quite intimidating for consumers. One of the most common forms of fraud is dyeing, where unscrupulous sellers pass off low-quality jade as genuine to make a profit. There are two main types of artificial dyeing: one involves adding green or violet-blue hues to white jade, while the other enhances the pale green color of emerald to make it more appealing. This type of jade is commonly referred to as "Jade C." Its color is not natural—often, it's a combination of B and C treatments, with both the color and transparency being artificially altered. After being soaked, glued, and dyed, such jade can come in various colors like green, purple, or yellow.
Artificial color modification can be categorized into three main methods. The first involves using organic dyes to stain the surface. The second method includes coating, hot baking, or electroplating. The third technique uses high-energy particle bombardment to alter the color.
The first two methods share some similarities. The color tends to sit on the surface, often appearing slightly yellowish or bluish, which is why it's called "evil color." When examined under a magnifying glass, the dye can be seen accumulating in the tiny cracks between the particles of the jadeite. Identifying light green jade with minimal artificial color requires careful observation. Without proper attention, it can be very challenging to distinguish real from fake.
For jade that has been treated with high-energy particles, the color is usually more uniform and has a certain depth. When cut, the green color around the outer layer often appears in ring-shaped or patch-like patterns. The surface may show visible signs of "bombardment," and the color tends to be deeper in those areas compared to the rest.
A Chelsea filter is an essential tool for detecting dyed jade. This filter allows yellow-green and deep red light to pass through. Natural green jade typically shows two green segments in its spectrum. Under the filter, yellow-green light passes through, so the jade appears green. However, when dyed with chromate, the green part of the spectrum is absorbed, and a large portion of the deep red light is transmitted. As a result, dyed jade appears red under the filter. To date, no naturally occurring green jade has shown a red hue under a Chelsea filter.
When using a color filter, it's crucial to pay attention to the lighting conditions. It’s best to use normal daylight rather than high-power light sources, as these can prevent the dyed jade from showing the characteristic red color. If possible, using transmitted light will give more accurate results. For precise identification, a spectroscope should be used. Naturally bright green jade usually displays three distinct red lines at 630 nm and around 690 nm. In contrast, dyed jade shows a blurred band instead.