RocksdayJadeite vs Nephrite
How to tell them apart
One of the two minerals called jade. Its tightly interlocked crystals make it extremely tough.
Photo: Shannon Heinle, CC0
The other jade: a dense mat of interlocking amphibole fibers that makes one of the toughest natural materials.
Photo: Piotr Sosnowski, CC BY-SA 4.0
Key differences
- Nephrite is slightly softer and lighter, with a more oily polish; a lab test is often needed.
- Jadeite is a little harder, heavier and glassier.
Side by side
| Property | Jadeite | Nephrite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mineral | Mineral |
| Mohs hardness | 6.5–7 | 6–6.5 |
| Luster | Vitreous to greasy | Greasy to waxy |
| Streak | White | White |
| Colors | Green, White, Purple | Green, White, Black |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic | Monoclinic (fibrous) |
| Specific gravity | 3.24–3.43 | 2.9–3.03 |
| Formula | NaAlSi₂O₆ | Ca₂(Mg,Fe)₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂ |
| Found in | Hpakant, Myanmar; Motagua Valley, Guatemala | British Columbia, Canada; Hotan, Xinjiang, China |
Properties that are the same for both are grayed out.
How to identify jadeite
- Very tough — hard to chip or break.
- Feels heavy and cold, with a slightly greasy polish.
- Green, white or lavender, often mottled.
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Full Jadeite guide →How to identify nephrite
- Extremely tough, with an oily, waxy polish.
- Spinach to olive green, creamy white or black.
- Often found as smooth river boulders.
Crystal system: Monoclinic (fibrous)
Full Nephrite guide →More comparisons
Could you tell them apart from a blurry close-up?
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