Unveiling Myanmar Jadeite Scams: How to Identify Fake Jade
揭秘緬甸翡翠造假手段：如何識別假貨
Recent reports reveal that many Chinese tourists have purchased counterfeit jadeite in Myanmar. Some buyers noticed the green color fading after six months, with black spots appearing, while others discovered their “jadeite” was actually dyed and resin-filled after professional appraisal in China. These problematic items were predominantly sourced from the Kyauk Myaung Jade Market in Mandalay, Myanmar. What secrets lie behind these fraudulent practices? Industry insiders provide critical insights.
近期，有不少中國遊客表示在緬甸買到了假冒翡翠。一些買家發現翡翠上的綠色在半年左右變淡，並出現黑點；還有一些人回國鑑定後發現其「翡翠」實際上是染色和填充樹脂的假貨。這些問題商品主要來自緬甸曼德勒的皎灣翡翠市場。這些造假手段背後隱藏著什麼秘密？業內人士提供了關鍵解析。
1. Low Appraisal Rates and Evolving Scams
1. 低鑑定率與不斷演變的造假手法
With the help of industry experts, the mechanisms of jadeite fraud have been gradually uncovered. Many vendors at Kyauk Myaung Market, due to years of experience, can identify most counterfeit jadeite. However, advanced appraisal tools have only emerged recently, and even though a certification agency exists near the market, very few buyers utilize its services.
在業內專家的協助下，翡翠造假的手段逐漸被揭露。皎灣市場的許多商家因多年從業經驗，能識別大多數假冒翡翠。然而，先進的鑑定工具近年才出現，儘管市場附近就有鑑定機構，卻極少有人前往鑑定。
As fraudulent means evolve, even experienced dealers occasionally misjudge products. Due to pride and avoidance of hassle, many victims choose not to pursue complaints, inadvertently encouraging counterfeiter. Meanwhile, soaring jadeite prices motivate scammers to develop increasingly sophisticated methods. Recent counterfeiting technology have deceived even seasoned professionals.
隨著造假手段不斷演變，甚至經驗豐富的商家也會偶爾看走眼。出於面子怕麻煩等原因，許多受害者放棄追究，無形中縱容了造假者。同時，翡翠價格飆升促使造假者開發更難辨識的手段。近年來的造假技術甚至欺騙了資深專業人士。
2. Polishing Powder Scam: Surface-Level Deception
2. 抛光粉造假：表面層次的欺詐
For cases where green color fades and gray spots appear, industry insiders attribute this to polishing powder scams. Experts demonstrated a jadeite bangle treated with polishing powder: gently wiping it with a damp cloth removed green powder particles. This powder only adheres superficially and gradually wears off, revealing the original inferior material.
針對綠色消失並露出灰色斑點的情況，業內人士歸因於抛光粉造假。專家展示了一隻添加抛光粉的翡翠手鐲：用濕巾輕輕擦拭即可抹下綠色粉末。這些粉末僅附著於表面，逐漸脫落後會暴露原本劣質的材質。
As Zhang Dingwei, a vendor at Kyauk Myaung Market, explains: “In our industry, professionals judge quality by texture (种), while amateurs focus on color. For example, using a flashlight reveals whether color is granular and powder-like on the surface—a sign of fake coloring from polishing powder.”
正如皎灣市場業戶張定偉所述：「行內人看種，外行人看色。用手電筒打光時，若顏色呈顆粒狀、粉狀浮於表面，就是假色， likely 來自抛光粉。」
3. Dyeing and Filling: The “Type B” Jadeite Fraud
3. 染色填充：B貨翡翠的欺詐手段
While polishing powder scams use real (but low-quality) jadeite, dyeing and filling techniques create entirely fake products sold at premium prices. Zhang Dingwei details the process:
雖然抛光粉造假仍使用真實（但低質）翡翠，染色填充技術則完全造假並以高價出售。張定偉詳細解釋此過程：
“First, counterfeiter selects low-grade jadeite with impurities or cracks. They soak it in strong acids/alkalis to dissolve impurities, weakening the structure. Then, they inject resins and dyes simultaneously—this becomes ‘Type B’ jadeite.”
「造假者先選擇有雜質或裂紋的翡翠，用強酸/強鹼浸泡去除雜質，使結構鬆動。隨後注入樹脂並同時染色，這就是B貨翡翠。」
4. Rough Stone Scams: Beyond Finished Products
4. 原石造假：超越成品的欺詐
In recent years, scams have expanded beyond finished products to rough jadeite stones. Experts interviewed confirmed encountering forged rough stones, where external appearances are manipulated to mimic high-value materials.
近年來，造假已從成品擴展到翡翠原石。受訪專家確認遇到過偽造原石，其外觀經過處理以模仿高價值材料。
5. Expert Advice: How to Avoid Scams
5. 專家建議：如何避免受騙
Seasoned professionals advise consumers to:
資深從業者建議消費者：
- Avoid “Too Good to Be True” Prices: Jadeite prices are increasingly transparent; high-quality pieces rarely sell at low prices.
警惕異常低價：翡翠價格趨於透明，優質品極少低價出售。 - Purchase from Reputable Stores: Avoid mobile vendors or unverified sellers.
選擇信譽商家：避免流動攤販或未經驗證的賣家。 - Request Certification: Always ask for appraisal documents from authoritative institutions.
要求鑑定證書：務必索要權威機構的鑑定文件。 - Focus on Texture Over Color: Prioritize internal texture (种) rather than surface color.
重種 over 色：關注內部質地而非表面顏色。
Conclusion
結語
As counterfeiting techniques advance, vigilance and education are essential. Always verify through certified channels and remember: true value lies in authenticity, not illusions.
隨著造假技術進步，警惕性和知識至關重要。務必通過認證渠道驗證，並記住：真正的價值在於真實性，而非表象。
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