Jade
Quick answer
Jade refers to two different minerals: jadeite and nephrite. Both are exceptionally tough, harder to break than steel, even though their Mohs hardness sits in the 6 to 7 range. Jadeite is rarer and more valuable, with imperial green jadeite among the most expensive gem materials by weight.
What jade is
Jadeite is a sodium aluminium silicate; nephrite is a calcium magnesium silicate. Both are made of tightly interlocking fibres or grains that give jade its extraordinary toughness. Jade has been used continuously for over 7,000 years across Chinese, Maori, Mesoamerican and other cultures, often valued more than gold.
Colour and look
Jadeite: imperial green (the most valued), lavender, white, orange, yellow and black. Nephrite: dark green, grey-green, white ("mutton fat" jade) and black. Fine jadeite reads with a smooth, slightly translucent glow when light passes through it.
Hardness and durability
Jadeite is 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Nephrite is 6 to 6.5. Both rank among the toughest gem materials thanks to their interlocking structure, which makes them resistant to chipping and breaking. Jade can scratch from harder stones, so store it separately.
What to look for
Colour, translucency and texture are the main quality factors for jadeite. A vivid, evenly saturated emerald green with semi-translucent texture is the imperial benchmark. Treatment grade matters: type A (untreated) is the most valuable, type B (bleached and polymer impregnated) and type C (dyed) are far cheaper and need disclosure.
Treatments and origins
Treatment grading is a big deal in jade. Type A jadeite is untreated apart from a wax polish. Type B is bleached and impregnated with polymer, which can degrade over time. Type C is dyed. Myanmar produces the finest jadeite, including imperial green. Nephrite comes from China, New Zealand (pounamu), Canada and Russia.
Best uses
Bangles, pendants, beads and cabochon rings. Carved jade pieces are a tradition in their own right. Imperial green jadeite cabochon rings sit at the very top of the coloured gemstone market. Pounamu (New Zealand nephrite) carries strong cultural significance for Maori.
Care
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, especially for type B jade, which can be damaged by heat. Protect from harsh chemicals and sharp impacts on edges. Store separately.
Price
Type A imperial green jadeite reaches some of the highest per-carat prices in the gemstone world. Most jadeite in the market is type B or C and sits at much more affordable prices. Nephrite is generally cheaper than jadeite and very accessible, especially commercial New Zealand pounamu and Russian material.
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Start a custom designFrequently asked questions
- What is the difference between jadeite and nephrite?
- They are two different minerals that share the name jade. Jadeite is rarer, harder and can show vivid imperial green. Nephrite is more common, slightly softer and usually darker green or creamy white.
- What is type A jade?
- Untreated jadeite, only waxed for polish. Type B is bleached and polymer-impregnated; type C is dyed. Type A is the most valuable and the most stable over time.
- Why is jade so tough?
- Both jadeite and nephrite are made of tightly interlocking fibres or grains rather than single crystals. That structure absorbs impact and resists chipping, even though the Mohs hardness is moderate.
- What is imperial jade?
- A vivid, evenly saturated emerald green jadeite with semi-translucent texture. Imperial jade comes mostly from Myanmar and is among the most valuable gem materials by weight.
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