Green Jade
Nephrite var. Jade / Jadeite var. Jade · Precious Gemstone / Ornamental Stone
Crystal System
Monoclinic (Nephrite is typically microcrystalline/massive felted amphibole fibers; Jadeite is monoclinic pyroxene forming compact masses)
Mineral Group
Silicates (Inosilicates)
Chemical Formula
Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2 (Nephrite) or NaAlSi2O6 (Jadeite)
Formation Process
Metamorphic, typically formed under high pressure and relatively low temperature conditions in serpentinized ultramafic rocks or subduction zone environments
About This Crystal
The specimen is a small, water-worn, tumbled pebble of a dark greyish-green hue with a mottled, opaque appearance and a waxy to greasy luster, typical of natural nephrite or jadeite river pebbles
Physical Characteristics
Color ranges from dark green to greyish-green; streak is white; cleavage is indistinct due to microcrystalline interlocking structure; fracture is splintery to uneven; specific gravity is approximately 2.90 to 3.38 depending on the mineral species; tenacity is exceptionally tough and resistant to breaking
Optical Properties
Refractive index ranges from 1.60 to 1.67 for nephrite and 1.65 to 1.68 for jadeite; doubly refractive; aggregate optical character; generally non-pleochroic in macro-masses
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Myanmar, China, Canada, Russia, Guatemala, United States (Wyoming, California)
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness is 6.0 to 6.5 for nephrite and 6.5 to 7.0 for jadeite; remarkably high toughness due to the interlocking fibrous micro-structure, making it extremely durable and resistant to fracturing despite moderate hardness
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush; avoid harsh chemical cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners, and extreme temperature shocks; store separately from harder gemstones to prevent surface scratching
Rarity & Value
Common to Rare depending on quality, color intensity (such as Imperial Jade), and translucency; value factors heavily weigh on purity of green color, texture, and transparency; natural untreated jade river pebbles of good carving quality range widely in price
Special Characteristics
Exceptional toughness due to felted fibrous crystal aggregate structure; frequently found as alluvial pebbles smoothed by water action in riverbeds
Lore & History
Historically revered in ancient Chinese, Mesoamerican, and Maori cultures for thousands of years as a stone of nobility, purity, and protection; traditionally associated with the Heart Chakra in modern crystal healing lore, representing abundance, harmony, and emotional balance (noted as traditional belief systems)