Nephrite Jade

Hardness: 6-6.5 (Mohs), Color: Dark forest green, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Structure: Microcrystalline fibrous (interlocking), Specific gravity: 2.9-3.1

Formed through regional metamorphism of ultramafic rocks or metasomatism between dolomitic limestones and silicic igneous rocks. Most deposits range from Mesozoic to Cenozoic ears.

Used extensively in jewelry, ornamental carvings, sculpture, and historical tool-making due to its extreme toughness and resistance to fracturing.

Nephrite is actually tougher than steel due to its interlocking fibrous structure, which prevents cracks from propagating through the stone.

Identify by its characteristic 'waxy' appearance when polished and its extreme density. Often found in riverbeds as water-worn cobbles (alluvial deposits) in British Columbia, New Zealand, and California.