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Hi, I purchased 3 small different pieces together and have been told they are soap stone from a jeweler. 1st one is a chilong cup, a peach and bat washer and bamboo flagon teapot. I am posting the chilong cup first (3 images allowed) because it is my favorite. Do you think the jeweler was throwing me off? I have not seen many soapstone of this nature in my searching. I put them back in the box and re-search every few years. Thanks in advance.

Easy test, use a steel pin or needle and gently make a 2-3 mm scratch If it scratches easy, then the jeweler is right
please let us know.
Ernest

Hi Emest, I do have a typical double soap stone vase and I tested that one first for comparison. I was very easy to scratch. I then tested the chilong cup and the tea pot and they did leave a mark but not nearly as easy as the soap stone vase. So I now know it is not typical soap stone. I have posted photos of the other two pieces for you. Thanks Cathy

I have not tested them yet but here are photos of the peach and bat washer.

3rd piece- photos of the bamboo tea pot.

It looks like all those pieces have been made from the same material, and according to your test it is a Serpentine. The color was used to make them look old.
Ernest

Hi Ernest, I agree that they are most likely the same stone, although the peach washer is a bit different in appearance. Even now after searching for serpentine, I still can not find any of this nature. I also don't understand how this color would be used to fool someone into thinking it is old. I purchased them in Branson Missouri years ago before it became a Boom Town. Just not ready to put back in the box and forget about them again. Thanks Cathy

With the shortage of Jade . . Serpentine might get perhaps a little more collectable. In 10 or 20 years some people might want to collect something more affordable. . . . . and the price goes up. Or forgetful people put it on the Market as antique Jade. . . . anything can happen.
good luck
Ernest

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