How to identify A-grade and B-grade jadeite? Did you know?

First, let me briefly explain how jade is divided into A-grade and B-grade jade from the technical processing level:

The categories of A-grade jadeite are:

1. Except normal cutting, grinding and polishing, there is no other artificial processing.

2. Make some iron-rich jadeite turn red by heating. (The current national standard defines the process of making jade appear red as optimization. Commercially, optimized things are considered A.)

3. Washing with weak acids, such as oxalic acid and myricetin, will not cause changes or damage to the internal structure of the jade itself, and there is no glue injected into the jade.

The category of B goods is:

Mainly after pickling and then a large amount of glue or wax injection, the internal structure has changed.

B-grade jade has a glossy luster and a dull sound when knocked, and is relatively cheap. But good B-grade goods are more valuable than bad A-grade goods (don’t think that A-grade goods are necessarily valuable, there are also A-grade goods that are made of bricks and are worthless). B-grade products made using the latest technology are very close to A-grade products.

Now that we know how B-grade jadeite is processed, let’s talk about the aspects that are usually used to identify B-grade jadeite:

1. Transparency. Most B-grade jadeite is translucent to slightly transparent, but its transparency will decrease in water and it will have a waxy texture. When using high light to see through, the surface is hazy, as if there is an extra layer of cover, the internal structure is not clear, and the network is obvious. However, when looking through natural jade, you can see the loofah-like crystal structure inside.

2. Gloss. B-grade jade usually has a dull luster and does not have the translucent and moist texture of glass. Instead, it appears smooth, similar to resin plastic.

3. Feel. The natural ones will feel wet, slippery and cool, while the B-grade ones usually feel warm and smooth like glass.

4. Sound. You can find two larger pieces and gently touch them against each other. The B-grade porcelain will make a hoarse sound like cracked porcelain.

5. Observe with a magnifying glass. If you use a 10x magnifying glass, you will see that the surface of the B-grade jade is clearly covered with spider-web-like tiny cracks and even bubbles. If it is not polished properly, you can even see the residue of epoxy resin (milky white waxy substance).

Objectively speaking, it is almost impossible to find AB identification evidence for small items with the naked eye, because the color and ground are single. As for polishing, some B ring faces are very well polished (we call it high B). One issue needs to be emphasized here: instruments are very important, but "thinking eyes" are more important. Therefore, there have been cases where a laboratory equipped with advanced instruments produced erroneous results. In addition, there are many types of B-grade jadeite circulating in the market, which look extremely similar to natural jadeite to the naked eye, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to make accurate judgments. We still recommend that if you purchase such products, you should take them for appraisal to know more accurately whether you have been deceived.

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