Infrared spectral detection methods such as the KBr powder method, specular reflection method, diffusion method and infrared microscope method which are commonly used in antique jade appraisal are presented systematically. The application of each method in antique jade appraisal is explained and their advantages and disadvantages are compared. In view of the identification of jade kinds, abrasive machining residual and antique jade alerting and the relation of alteration to jade quality, the applications of the infrared spectral detection method in jade appraisal are illustrated.