Study on Artificial Epidermis of Serpentine Jade

The yellow artificial epidermis of a serpentine jade appeared in the recent gem market is studied in this paper.The gemmological characteristics,chemical and mineral compositions, structure and processing of the artificial epidermis are researched by using conventional gemmological testing, X-ray powder diffraction,electronic probe and infrared spectrum.The results show that the artificial epidermis is treated by acid washing,dyeing and filling,whose structure is loose and the colour is deeper in the crack.The main mineral of the artificial epidermis is antigorite.