In the gemstone trade, the term “Jade” is actually a collective name for two distinct silicate minerals that look similar but have different chemical compositions and internal structures: Nephrite and Jadeite. While they share a legendary history, their technical profiles—specifically their toughness and mineral density—are quite different.
1. The Two Species: Jadeite vs. Nephrite Practically speaking, the “Jade Family” is split into these two branches. Both are metamorphic rocks composed of interlocking mineral crystals, which is what gives Jade its famous “indestructible” quality. I. Jadeite (The Rare Silicate) Jadeite is a sodium aluminum silicate ($NaAlSi_2O_6$). Market Position: It is generally considered the more valuable of the two. Color Range: While famous for “Imperial Green” (colored by chromium), Jadeite occurs in a wide range of colors including lavender, red, orange, and ice-white. Texture: It has a granular, crystalline texture, which allows it to take a high-gloss, glass-like (vitreous) polish. II. Nephrite (The Traditional Jade) Nephrite is a variety of the calcium magnesium iron silicate mineral tremolite or actinolite. Market Position: Historically significant (used for thousands of years in China), it is more abundant than Jadeite. Color Range: Usually found in “Spinach Green,” creamy whites (“Mutton Fat Jade”), and greys. Its colors are typically more muted than Jadeite. Texture: Nephrite is composed of interlocking, fibrous crystals (similar to a felted fabric). This makes it the toughest gemstone in existence—even harder to break than a diamond.
2. Technical Grade and Quality (ABC Scale) Because Jade is often “improved” in laboratories, a “Mine-to-Market” company must be able to certify its stones using the industry-standard grading system: Type A: 100% Natural. The stone is untreated except for a traditional wax coating to protect the surface. Type B: Chemically bleached to remove “dirty” oxidation spots and then polymer-impregnated to fill the resulting voids. Over time, this jade can turn yellow or brittle. Type C: Dyed. The stone has been chemically stained to mimic high-value colors like Imperial Green or Lavender.
3. Physical and Chemical Properties Property Jadeite (Practical Value) Nephrite (Practical Value) Chemical Formula $NaAlSi_2O_6$ $Ca_2(Mg, Fe)_5Si_8O_{22}(OH)_2$ Mohs Hardness 6.5 – 7.0 6.0 – 6.5 Toughness Very High Exceptional (Highest in gems) Specific Gravity 3.30 – 3.38 2.90 – 3.03 Refractive Index ~1.66 ~1.62
4. Geological Formation Jade forms in subduction zones—places where tectonic plates collide and one is forced deep into the Earth. It requires high pressure but relatively low temperatures. Jadeite is primarily found in Myanmar (Burma). Nephrite is more widespread, with major deposits in Western Canada, New Zealand, and China.
5. Practical Implementation for Your Website For your company, the focus should be on Structural Integrity. Because Jade is an “aggregate” of crystals, selecting it at the mine allows your cutters to identify internal “vose” (cracks) that aren’t visible to the untrained eye.
