Jade vs. Agate: Can You Tell the Difference? Sometimes agate are made to look a lot like jade and, worse, sold as Jade. But the sound and texture are the biggest ways to identify it. Real jade has a natural, fibrous structure that gives it that crisp, solid “clink” and makes it extra durable. Agate is too "smooth" and sounds hollow-y. So next time you’re unsure, shine a light through it to see the structure and give it a gentle tap test (and if you want to be 100% sure, get it lab-tested 😉). #r