Genuine jade typically does not glow in the dark. While many minerals exhibit luminescence, true jade, in its natural and untreated state, rarely displays significant light emission. If a material resembling jade appears to glow, it often indicates it is an imitation or has undergone specific treatments.
Does Natural Jade Luminesce?
Natural jade encompasses two distinct mineral species: nephrite and jadeite. Nephrite is a calcium magnesium iron silicate, while jadeite is a sodium aluminum silicate. Neither mineral composition inherently contains the specific activators or structural characteristics found in minerals that exhibit significant fluorescence or phosphorescence.
Genuine, untreated jade does not typically absorb energy from light and re-emit it as a sustained glow. Its interaction with light primarily involves transmission, reflection, and absorption, resulting in its characteristic colors and translucency. If a material strongly glows in the dark after light exposure, it is highly improbable that it is natural jade.
The Science Behind Glowing Minerals
Some minerals possess the ability to absorb energy from light and then re-emit it as visible light, a phenomenon known as luminescence. Two primary types of luminescence explain how minerals appear to glow.
Fluorescence occurs when a mineral emits light only while actively exposed to an energy source, typically ultraviolet (UV) light. The light emission ceases almost immediately once the UV source is removed. Phosphorescence is when the mineral continues to emit light for a period after the exciting energy source has been removed, creating the “glow in the dark” effect. This happens because the absorbed energy is released more slowly over time. Minerals like fluorite, calcite, and willemite exhibit these properties due to specific impurities or structural defects within their crystal lattices.
Reasons for Apparent Luminescence in Jade-Like Materials
A glow in materials resembling jade can be attributed to several factors. Often, the glowing item is not genuine jade but an imitation made from other minerals or synthetic substances. Common jade simulants like serpentine or certain types of glass can contain impurities or additives that cause them to fluoresce or phosphoresce.
Another reason for apparent luminescence stems from treatments applied to enhance jade’s appearance. Some jade pieces undergo polymer impregnation, commonly known as B-jade, where a synthetic resin fills microscopic pores to improve translucency and color. This resin can sometimes fluoresce under ultraviolet light, appearing as a hazy or uneven glow, though it typically does not sustain a “glow in the dark” effect. Surface coatings or dyes might also react to light sources, emitting a temporary glow. A significant or sustained glow from a “jade” piece suggests it is either an imitation or has been treated.
Distinguishing Real Jade from Imitations
Identifying genuine jade from imitations requires careful observation of several physical characteristics. Authentic jade, whether nephrite or jadeite, possesses a distinctive texture and translucency. Nephrite often exhibits a fibrous, interwoven texture, while jadeite can appear granular or crystalline, and both typically have a waxy to vitreous luster. Natural jade usually contains subtle variations in color and natural inclusions, unlike the uniform appearance often seen in fakes.
Real jade often feels remarkably cool to the touch, and this coolness persists longer than with most imitation materials. Tapping genuine jade gently with another hard object can produce a clear, resonant sound, which differs from the duller sound produced by softer imitations. Jade is very tough, and its hardness allows it to resist scratching by common metal objects. For definitive identification, consulting a professional gemologist remains the most reliable method.