Green Jade
Nephrite Jade (Actinolite-Tremolite series) · Semi-Precious Gemstone / Decorative Stone
Crystal System
Monoclinic; massive, dense, felted microcrystalline aggregates (cryptocrystalline)
Mineral Group
Silicates (Amphibole group)
Chemical Formula
Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2
Formation Process
Metamorphic, specifically metasomatism occurring at convergent plate boundaries where hydrothermal fluids interact with ultramafic rocks or dolomite
About This Crystal
The specimen is a polished stretch bracelet featuring spherical beads of deep forest to olive green nephrite jade. The beads show mottled color variations, ranging from darker to lighter green patches, with a waxy to vitreous luster and opaque to translucent transparency under direct light.
Physical Characteristics
Color ranges from dark green to olive and grayish-green; white streak; no true cleavage due to microcrystalline interlocking fibers, instead possessing an extremely tough splintery to subconchoidal fracture; specific gravity is approximately 2.90 to 3.03; tenacity is exceptionally tough, making it resistant to breakage; generally inert under UV light.
Optical Properties
Refractive index ranges from 1.606 to 1.632; doubly refractive (biaxial negative); birefringence is weak (around 0.027); pleochroism is usually weak to absent in green varieties due to the massive aggregate nature.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
British Columbia (Canada), Xinjiang (China), Siberia (Russia), Wyoming (USA); forms in metamorphic environments, particularly serpentinites and dolomitic marbles
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 6.0 to 6.5; exceptionally high toughness due to its tightly interlaced fibrous micro-structure, making it far more resistant to shattering than diamond or quartz despite a lower hardness; highly suitable for everyday jewelry wear.
Care & Maintenance
Safe to clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush; avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and prolonged exposure to extreme heat; store separately in a fabric pouch to prevent scratching softer materials.
Rarity & Value
Common to Uncommon depending on color saturation and translucency; value is determined by purity, evenness of color, lack of undesirable inclusions, and carving craftsmanship; prices for simple bead bracelets are generally moderate.
Special Characteristics
Renowned for its extreme toughness rather than optical phenomena; interlocking fibrous micro-structure gives it a unique feel and exceptional durability against impact.
Lore & History
Historically revered in ancient China and Mesoamerican civilizations (such as the Maya and Aztecs) as a royal stone symbolizing purity, virtue, and status. In modern crystal healing traditions, nephrite jade is associated with the Heart Chakra, promoting emotional balance, abundance, and inner peace (note: these are traditional beliefs and not scientific claims).