Rock Identifier
Carved jade pendant (Likely jadeite (NaAlSi₂O₆) or nephrite (Ca₂(Mg,Fe)₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂); the image alone cannot distinguish them) — gemstone
gemstone

Carved jade pendant

Likely jadeite (NaAlSi₂O₆) or nephrite (Ca₂(Mg,Fe)₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂); the image alone cannot distinguish them

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Pale celadon-green, polished and intricately carved, with a smooth, waxy-to-vitreous luster. Jadeite and nephrite have Mohs hardness of about 6–7 and 6–6.5, respectively; both have fine-grained, tough structures. The pictured certificate appears to identify the material as jadeite, but its text is not fully legible.

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Physical properties

Pale celadon-green, polished and intricately carved, with a smooth, waxy-to-vitreous luster. Jadeite and nephrite have Mohs hardness of about 6–7 and 6–6.5, respectively; both have fine-grained, tough structures. The pictured certificate appears to identify the material as jadeite, but its text is not fully legible.

Formation & geological history

Jadeite forms in high-pressure, low-temperature metamorphic settings, while nephrite forms through metamorphic or metasomatic processes. The pendant’s geological age and quarry source cannot be established from the photo.

Uses & applications

Used chiefly for jewelry, carving, and collecting; jade also has cultural and ceremonial significance, especially in East Asia.

Geological facts

Jade is a trade term for two distinct minerals, jadeite and nephrite. Intricate carving and a certificate do not by themselves establish authenticity or quality.

Field identification & locations

Check mineral identity with gemological testing; color, translucency, texture, and workmanship affect value. Jadeite is notably associated with Myanmar, while nephrite sources include China, Canada, and New Zealand.