white powder on jade

Question

I recently bought a red/green jade incense burner in China, claimed to be 80-100 years old.  There are several small spots of white powdery substance now showing on the surface.  The piece is heavy, cold to touch, has areas of translucency, and seems to be real jade.  Any ideas of what this might be?

Thurman · Answer

Susie, I bought a Jade incense burner on 9/29/13 at the Yichang Museum claimed to be 80-100 years old from an island consumed by 3 Gorges Dam project. I was skeptical more about its history as opposed to the genuineness of the jade. Our guide told us first day no item older than 1949 could leave the country. I have searched for a likeness of the piece I bought without success.  I would be interested in your tourist story and likeness of the piece you bought. Thanks for your response in advance, Thurman

Susie · Answer

Hi Thurman,  Thanks for your reply.  Ours is a 'double dragon' incense burner, red jade with some green highlights.  If you send your email address I'll send you a photo of it.  When we bought it the salesperson said there had been three of them, and two had sold.  If this story is correct, maybe you have #2!  We were told nothing older than 300 years could leave the country.  Does yours have any white spots?

Thurman · Answer

Susie, I'm starting to smell a RAT. I got the there were two but now there is only one story. I have done some home testing that makes me believe it is not real. If I scratch an edge with my fingernail I see white. I do not think real jade would scratch with my fingernail. This is the only white I see so far. I do plan on seeing GIA early next year. Where did you buy your piece?By all means please send me a photo and I will reciprocate. My email is cox.net|twill0934.I'm departing 11/24 for a lengthy vacation so if you do not hear from me I will respond as soon as possible. Hoping for the best, Thurman

Thurman · Answer

Susie, Happy Holidays. Just following up to my Nov 18th response to you. Looking forward to hearing from you, Thurman

Child born in 2015. What is the proper gift to give new parents for their c... Asked by Celeste from USA \| Jan. 31, 2015 01:51	1 answer
Can you mail to China herbal dietary supplements (for personal use)? Asked by Tom from United Kingdom \| Oct. 11, 2016 21:16	1 answer
Can jade turn greener overtime? I have a jade pendant that is about 75% whi... Asked by Eric from United States \| Oct. 06, 2013 03:12	1 answer
Hetian Jade is very famous in China and even in the world. Hetian Jade is i... Asked by Ms.Brenda from China \| Jun. 04, 2010 01:56	1 answer
I just bought a white jade cabbage and need to know how to place it in the ... Asked by Ms.Phillips from Texas \| Apr. 02, 2010 20:22	1 answer
Entrance Fee to White Water River Asked by Rinsouju from Thailand \| Nov. 04, 2015 02:08	1 answer

White powder on jade