Jade refers to two similar-looking but distinct minerals – jadeite and nephrite. While they look quite similar, there are some key differences between jadeite and nephrite that collectors and jewelry lovers should know.
Jadeite
Jadeite is the rarer and more valuable form of jade. It is formed in metamorphic rocks and often occurs in colors like green, lavender, pink, yellow, black and white. The most coveted form of jadeite is the vivid emerald green variety.
Jadeite rates a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. This makes it a very tough and durable stone that can take engraving and polishing very well. High quality jadeite is translucent and has an attractive waxy to vitreous luster.
The best jadeite is found in Myanmar, specifically in the northern region. Jadeite also occurs in Guatemala, Japan, Canada, Kazakhstan and the United States.
Nephrite
Nephrite is the more common form of jade. It is composed of tremolite and actinolite minerals. Nephrite also comes in a range of colors like green, yellow, white and brown. However, it is most prized in its mid-to-dark green form.
With a Mohs hardness of 6-6.5, nephrite is slightly softer than jadeite. It has a smooth greasy or silky luster when polished. While tough, it is more prone to chipping than jadeite.
Nephrite deposits have been found in many regions like Wyoming, Alaska, British Columbia, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland. However, the nephrite from Wyoming and western Canada is considered the highest quality.
Differences
While both jadeite and nephrite can look similar at first glance, a closer inspection reveals some telling differences between the two stones:
- Jadeite has a higher specific gravity range at 3.25-3.44 compared to nephrite's 2.90-3.03. This means that jadeite feels noticeably heavier.
- Jadeite rates 7 on the Mohs scale while nephrite rates 6-6.5, making jadeite the harder and more durable material.
- Jadeite can be found in vivid emerald greens and a variety of other colors like lavender and pink. Nephrite is typically more limited to mid to deep green shades.
- Jadeite has a smooth, vitreous luster compared to nephrite's more greasy or silky appearance.
- Jadeite is translucent on thin edges while nephrite is more opaque.
- Jadeite is rarer and found in less locations worldwide, making it more valuable. Nephrite is found in many more regions and costs less.
So, jadeite is the harder, rarer, more vividly colored and more valuable form of jade, rated higher on the Mohs scale. Nephrite is softer, more common, greener and less costly, though high quality nephrite is still a beloved gemstone.
