Jadeite fluorescence under 356nm UV light and jade waxing.
Today, more and more people have a 365nm UV Jade Identification flashlight. Usually, B+C jadeite or filling enhancements will show fluorescence under 365nm ultraviolet light.
Then, if a bangle shows fluorescence under 356um UV light, it must be fake? No, exactly. The wax will also show fluorescence under the 365nm UV light. Waxing is a finishing process to enhance a jadeite's appearance,but it's not considered enhancement treatment as it does not alter the characteristics of the jadeite in any way. Please check this link.
The wax will show fluorescence under the 365nm UV light. A lot of times, wax residue remains on the surface of the bangle after the last step of polishing. When a limited amount of wax residue is found, whether alongside the crack or near the rough surface, it does not automatically make the jadeite fake or B+C.
Let’s check the photos
When under 365nm UV light, the wax also shows fluorescence. But it is different compared to a B+C Jadeite jade. The wax residue just surfaces, limited, or alongside fill in the crack or rough surface.
This photo shows how wax fluorescence under 356nm UV light.
Please note, I’m talking about the final polish process, waxing. Not the one use paraffin wax boiling and pressured. The paraffin wax no longer stays on the surface, but enters the internal structure of the jadeite (wax immersed jadeite).
Please check the photos or video to see what is the difference between waxing and wax immersed jadeite.
photos may not be so clear, please check 2 videos
The second exception is a bangle with a lot of cotton sponges.
This is relativity rare. When jadeite contains fluorescent minerals such as Zeolite, Kaolinite, nepheline, montmorillonite ect, it can show fluorescence under the 365nm UV light.
Cotton sponges (white cotton or cloud area) is a mineral impurity, but it does not disqualify a Type A jadeite. Under the ultra flashlight, sometimes cotton sponges have a light (not shiny) fluorescence-like appearance. It is just the way some specifically mineral cotton sponges react to the light. They are considered imperfections.
In the past ten years, the jewelry industry has begun to use organic resins to replace traditional paraffin wax to make the coverage more durable. It has the same function as wax. As long as it is a small amout and not poured into the jade with pressure or completely infiltrated, it is also considered acceptable.
If a bangle doesn’t show fluorescence under 356um UV light, it must be real?
Not necessary. It could be glass, Non-fluorescence plastic, or other cheaper type of rock.
If a jadeite jade bangle was made in Myanmar, it has big chance with polished powder dyed. Because that is the part of the processing habit in Myanmar. The 356nm UV light cannot detect polished powder dyed jade.
Most of bangles in my store don’t have wax. If a product has wax, I will state this in item description. If wax wasn’t mentioned in item description, that means the product doesn’t has wax.
If you don't agree with me or you feel wax is unacceptable, the simplest way is don’t order the one that have wax stated in the item description. Thanks for your understanding.