How Can You Tell If It’s ‘B’ Jade?

Ultimately, even experts cannot be certain by eye alone
whether or not a piece is ‘A’ or ‘B’ jade. Even standard gemological
testing is usually inconclusive (refractive index and specific
gravity are either unchanged, or insufficiently changed to make
a definitive conclusion).Hardness can be affected, but to test for
it means marring the stone permanently. So how to be certain a
stone is ‘A’ or ‘B’?

First of all, ask. Sometimes you might hear a straightforward
answer. If not, the best clue is price vs. value. If it's too
good to be true, it usually is. Also, be suspicious if the stone
exhibits brightness and translucence, and is a calibrated size.
Under examination with a loupe, if there is a web-like consistency
on the jade’s surface or if the color appears to ‘float’ in
the stone, also be wary.

In 1990 the Gemological Institute of America developed
a technique that definitively, and in a non-destructive manner,
can test for the presence of polymers within a jade’s interior:
infra-red spectroscopy. Polymers leave a tell-tale trace in the
infra-red spectrum. A machine called an infra-red spectrometer
can detect this trace quite clearly. Mason-Kay is currently
the only commercial firm in the United States equipped with
its own infra-red spectrometer since 1995. Mason-Kay is well
known for its testing and evaluation services to the jewelry industry.

What About Disclosure?

With full disclosure, the selling of 'B' jade is acceptable.
As of April 2001, the FTC (Federal Trade Commission)
changed the jewelry guidelines for gem enhancement to require
disclosure. However, many retailers and wholesalers in
the U.S. and abroad continue not to disclose.

How is ‘B’ Jade Made?

Poor quality jade rough with internal ‘staining' or structural
flaws is immersed in a powerful acid (sulfuric or hydrochloric)
which is sometimes heated to increase its strength. This emersion
process can be repeated and can last for several weeks. The working
fumes are quite toxic and this procedure is not without risk.
The resulting stone has now been changed: the sodium in the
sodium silicate of jade’s structure has been leached out and with
them the internal stains. At this point, many experts say, the stone
is no longer jadeite jade at all. The stone is then put into a neutralizing
agent, after which a polymer is injected into the stone
with the use of a centrifuge. The stone is then entirely covered
with a hard, clear plastic-like coating. Cutting and polishing are
then performed as they would be on any jade stone.

Is 'B' Jade as Durable as Natural Jade?

No. ‘B’ jade can, in time, become unstable and often discolor.
In contrast to natural jade's renowned durability, 'B' jade can be so
brittle as to fracture with only minimal impact. Heavy prongs or
bezels can actually penetrate the weakened surface of the treated
stone. Even ordinary household detergents and simple acetone
(used for cleaning & removing natural jade from glued settings)
can break down the polymer. There are even reports of ‘acid leaks’
from improperly neutralized stones which can result in skin burns.

How Much is ‘B’ Jade Worth?

Its value is considered to be approximately 5%to 10%of the value
of its ‘A’ jade equivalent. Although for some, ‘B’ jade has no value because
it is no longer truly jadeite. The value of ‘C’ and ‘D’ jade is worth
between $2-$20.