gemstone

Green Jade

Nephrite (Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2) or Jadeite (NaAlSi2O6)

Hardness: 6.5 to 7 for jadeite, 6 to 6.5 for nephrite. Color: Pale to dark green, white, or mottled. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal structure: Monoclinic. Cleavage: Indistinct. Specific gravity: 3.3 to 3.4 for jadeite, 2.95 to 3.1 for nephrite.

Hardness: 6
Color: Pale to dark green, white, or mottled
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 28, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed under high-pressure, low-temperature metamorphic conditions, typically in serpentinite convergence zones or subduction zones.

Uses & applications

Widely used in fine jewelry, ornamental carvings, decorative objects, and historical weaponry.

Geological facts

Jade has been prized in China for over 5,000 years, symbolizing purity, status, and moral integrity. It is actually comprised of two distinct mineral species: jadeite and nephrite.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified in the field by its extreme toughness, density, and characteristic fibrous or granular texture. Found notably in Myanmar, China, Guatemala, and parts of the USA.

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