Jadeite

One of the two minerals called jade. Its tightly interlocked crystals make it extremely tough.

Jadeite specimen — Photo: Shannon Heinle, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

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.

Often confused with

Nephrite
Nephrite is slightly softer and lighter, with a more oily polish; a lab test is often needed.
Compare side by side
Serpentine
Serpentine is much softer — a knife scratches it.
Compare side by side
Chrysoprase
Chrysoprase is lighter and more translucent.
Compare side by side

Where it's found

Hpakant, Myanmar
Motagua Valley, Guatemala
Japan
California

Uses

Carvings and jewelry, especially in East Asia and Mesoamerica.

Rock tumbling

Great for tumbling.

Did you know?

Almost all gem jadeite on the market comes from Myanmar's Hpakant region.

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