White jade find?

Found this today for $3 so I thought why not... My last experience with jade didn't turn out but maybe this will? Similar examples online seem to have some sort of brown stone mixed with the white jade. Does anyone think maybe this is jade? Hand carved for sure, I'd think it was older but the eyes look cemented in place which is an indication it might not be that old. Thoughts anyone?

 

The layering/banding makes me think it could be alabaster - or perhaps even agate. If it's nephrite(or agate) it should be able to scratch glass. If it's alabaster, you should be able to scratch it with glass.

 

Looks more like travertine/Mexican onyx.

 

Agreed... that's really the word I was looking for when I said alabaster. A hardness/scratch test would definitely ID it for sure.

 

you need a good book on jade.....or some serious screen time....if you wish to find any in your travels !!

 

One of the things someone said recently on here that made sense to me is that nobody is going to waste a good piece of quality jade with poor carving. I can't remember who said that but it made sense to me.

 

It looks like a cute Mexican onyx carving.
Jade does not have those onyx like striations. Also no agate like banding, no organized looking crystal structures. There can be hairlines. When seen through a good loupe, jade structure is messy, with tiny curled bits of 'thread'.
If you're hoping to find jade, it is best to get some jade knowledge first, as Komo said.