Jade

[Showbags]

How to tell if authentic or not.

Any easy steps to take while in the field to check?

[Ragz]

It's nearly impossible to tell if Jade has been treated with polymer without an infrared test. This type of jade is known a 'b' jade and there is a large amount of this type of jade being sold in Thailand. Acid/polymer is used to clear up the appearance of the jade.

Jade that has been dyed is easier to identify once you have seen examples. Dyed jade is known a 'c' jade.

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[tim armstrong]

Not much to add to the above, except that if you are lucky enough to fossick for jade here, the location will be a key point. Mae Wong National Park is possible, for a donation to a local, or probably a ranger. In the field it is easy to confuse jade, with some limestone varieties or even smooth milky quartz, particularly near rivers. Its softer than quartz, so a hardness test is helpful. It should also feel a bit soapy,and cool to the touch. You'd be very lucky to find green jade, most of it now is greyish in colour. If by 'in the field' you mean shopping for it, then the best places will still be along the western side of Thailand near the Myanmar border. Maesai market is small but jade bargains can be found as their main business is cheap rubies.

Maesot has a gem traders street, in the middle of the town,which is a bit difficult to find, but fascinating as much for the dodgy looking characters as for the gems. If you walk west in the street (towards the border) in the middle on the left side, there is a large jade shop which has good stuff at reasonable prices. But take an assertive Thai friend with you to help in the bargaining process. The downside of this street is that many of the shops are Indian owned, and they are the true masters of dealing - in anything. One little bit of psychology here. If the shopkeepers have babies or very small children around - make a fuss and joke with them, as they are very proud of their kids, and you will be well regarded, and just maybe, get a better deal. Be a bit Thai and talk around the subject before coming to the point. But also,the mark up for high street shops is huge and there are many fakes, so find the less glossy looking places.

[Showbags]

Not much to add to the above, except that if you are lucky enough to fossick for jade here, the location will be a key point. Mae Wong National Park is possible, for a donation to a local, or probably a ranger. In the field it is easy to confuse jade, with some limestone varieties or even smooth milky quartz, particularly near rivers. Its softer than quartz, so a hardness test is helpful. It should also feel a bit soapy,and cool to the touch. You'd be very lucky to find green jade, most of it now is greyish in colour. If by 'in the field' you mean shopping for it, then the best places will still be along the western side of Thailand near the Myanmar border. Maesai market is small but jade bargains can be found as their main business is cheap rubies. h

Maesot has a gem traders street, in the middle of the town,which is a bit difficult to find, but fascinating as much for the dodgy looking characters as for the gems. If you walk west in the street (towards the border) in the middle on the left side, there is a large jade shop which has good stuff at reasonable prices. But take an assertive Thai friend with you to help in the bargaining process. The downside of this street is that many of the shops are Indian owned, and they are the true masters of dealing - in anything. One little bit of psychology here. If the shopkeepers have babies or very small children around - make a fuss and joke with them, as they are very proud of their kids, and you will be well regarded, and just maybe, get a better deal. Be a bit Thai and talk around the subject before coming to the point. But also,the mark up for high street shops is huge and there are many fakes, so find the less glossy looking places.

thanks.

is trader st off the main road there leading up to the border.

[rak sa_ngop]

There is a great jade market in Mandalay, Myanmar. Walk around and see the workers polishing and cutting jade rocks. Also see the trading of sackfuls of finished jade bangles and the clinking sound of real jadeite jade as it is handled.

This is not a tourist market so little risk of being sold treated jade or nephrite jade (I think).

Entry to the market is free if you can avoid the official who tries to collect 1 USD from foreigners.

Well worth a visit, and you can buy some lesser quality pieces cheaply.

Most gem quality jadeite jade comes from Burma and the price of a bangle can vary from about 5 USD to 10,000's USD mainly based on colour and translucency.

Personally I wouldn't pay more than 20 USD for a piece of jade as it is so difficult for a non-expert to value (although I have payed more than this before I knew more about jadeite)

[tim armstrong]

Showbags,

No, its right in the town centre, I think to the left of the main road, but the locals will know. I stumbled upon it - not many tourists - mostly devious traders, interesting place. Good luck.

[maccaroni man]

Yes Burma has real jade also called yolk in Thailand the fascinating test for jade is the hair and fire test. Wrap a long strand of hair around the piece and put a flame to it if it is real jade the hair strand will not burn.