Jade Question

[Customx_12]

My wife and I took a road trip to Monterey, California and stopped off at Jade Cove near Big Sur. We found a couple pieces that I think might be jade but I'm not certain. Any tips on how best to check?

[marinedad]

as far as i know jade comes in many colors, any pics?

[Customx_12]

No pics, but I'll get some soon. I called my local prospecting store and they said that I actually have to get the hardness tested with some fancy instrument to make sure it's jade. I was hoping there was a simpler way though. I'll post pics in the next day or two.

[Tuberale]

It's quite possible what you found is authentic.

Big Sur is noted for boulders of jade off-shore.

[notquitesane]

I went hunting there a year ago, I am actually wearing my small jade piece on a neckace right now. Once you know what it looks like its easy to tell. I would suggest you try to scratch it with a knife, Jade is harder than steel so if it scratches, it is not Jade. I also took mine to a jewelry store in old town Sacramento and the gemologist verified it's authenticity. Good luck, I know there is a lot of stuff there that looks like Jade but isn't.