gemstone

Carved nephrite jade Buddha

Nephrite jade, an interlocking amphibole aggregate dominated by tremolite–actinolite, Ca₂(Mg,Fe)₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark olive-green, highly polished, waxy to vitreous luster; Mohs hardness 6–6.5, tough and cryptocrystalline with no visible cleavage. The rounded carved form and pedestal indicate a human-worked gemstone specimen.

Identified September 19, 2026More gemstone →

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At a glance

Common name: Carved nephrite jade Buddha
Scientific name: Nephrite jade, an interlocking amphibole aggregate dominated by tremolite–actinolite, Ca₂(Mg,Fe)₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂
Category: gemstone
Identified: September 19, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $20–$150 for a small common carving; $200–$1,000+ for fine translucent material, skilled workmanship, or strong provenance.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Nephrite forms chiefly through metamorphism and metasomatism of ultramafic or carbonate rocks, commonly in tectonic collision zones; individual pieces may be geologically Paleozoic to younger. Exact age and locality cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Used for carvings, beads, ornaments, tools, and jewelry; jade Buddha figures are decorative and collectible. Value depends strongly on translucency, even color, carving quality, size, and documented provenance.

Geological facts

Nephrite’s exceptional toughness comes from its dense felted amphibole-fiber structure. It is distinct from jadeite jade, which is a pyroxene mineral and is generally harder and more valuable when fine quality.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its unusually tough, smooth waxy polish, green-to-gray color, and inability to scratch easily with a steel knife; test carefully because the carving may be damaged. Common sources include China, British Columbia, Siberia, New Zealand, and Wyoming.