Check for a smooth, waxy, or greasy luster
Look for a tough, dense feel in the hand
Note a range of green shades, but also white, gray, black, lavender, or yellow
Inspect for a fine-grained, interlocking texture
Test hardness with a steel knife; jade is usually too hard to scratch easily
Compare weight; jade often feels heavier than it looks
Observe translucency by holding it to light; some jade is slightly translucent
Look for a fibrous or granular structure under magnification
Tap it gently; jade often gives a solid, ringing sound
Check for coolness to the touch
Distinguish from glass by looking for natural irregularities rather than bubbles
Distinguish from serpentine by comparing hardness and density
Distinguish from dyed stones by checking for color concentration in cracks or edges
Have it tested by a gemologist or mineral lab for confirmation