Crystal & mineral guide
Jade
Nephrite / Jadeite
Tough carving stone — jadeite and nephrite are distinct minerals sold as jade.
Identify Jade with RockScanAbout Jade
Jade refers to two minerals: nephrite and jadeite. Imperial jadeite green is among the most valuable gem materials on Earth. Extreme toughness (interlocking fibers) made jade ideal for tools and ritual objects. Dyed quartzite and glass are common trade imitations.
Jade belongs in a crystal identifier workflow because photo cues — color zoning, crystal habit, and surface luster — combine with measurable traits like Mohs 6–7 and specific gravity 2.9–3.4. Use RockScan’s camera to get a first-pass ID, then confirm with the checklist below.
Jade properties
| Mohs hardness | 6–7 |
|---|---|
| Crystal system | Monoclinic (both) |
| Luster | Greasy to vitreous |
| Color | Green classic; also lavender, white |
| Composition | Nephrite (amphibole) or jadeite (pyroxene) |
| Formation | Metamorphic environments with specific chemistries |
| Occurrence | Myanmar (jadeite), China/New Zealand (nephrite), Guatemala |
| Specific gravity | 2.9–3.4 |
| Cleavage | Splintery toughness overall |
How to identify Jade
- Exceptional toughness; greasy luster when polished
- SG and RI separate jadeite from nephrite
- Dyed quartzite and glass are common imitations
Collector notes
- Chinese jade culture spans over 5,000 years
- Jadeite and nephrite were only chemically distinguished in 1863
Value context: Fine imperial jadeite cabochons can exceed diamond prices.
Jade FAQ
How do you identify Jade?
Jade (Nephrite / Jadeite) is typically recognized by green classic; also lavender, white color, greasy to vitreous luster, Mohs hardness 6–7, and monoclinic (both) crystal system. RockScan can suggest Jade from a photo and surface these checks on the result card.
What is Jade made of?
Jade composition: Nephrite (amphibole) or jadeite (pyroxene). It forms via metamorphic environments with specific chemistries and is found in Myanmar (jadeite), China/New Zealand (nephrite), Guatemala.
Is Jade valuable?
Fine imperial jadeite cabochons can exceed diamond prices.
