Abstract:Jade is the most popular varieties of jade. In recent years, the market price of high grade jade has increased by 10 times or even several times. It is reported that synthetic emerald has also been produced as well. It has very little difference with high grade jade, which has put forward newer and higher requirements in gem identificatiification. "Gold is valuable while jade is priceless". According to correct species and quality level, the value of jade can be determined correctly. In this paper, the mineral composition of emerald, chemical composition, crystal habit, structure, mechanical properties, jade conventional identification methods and identification of infrared spectroscopy in the application of jade have been briefly introduced, and the emerald color, transparency, texture, clarity quality size to quality grading, and assessment of their impact on value are explained as well.