![Nephrite Jade / Greenstone (Tremolite-Actinolite solid solution series [Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2]) — metamorphic](https://media.rock.id/nephrite-jade-greenstone-5c0b1cb0-2f2e-4eaa-8e10-ec9bb0d92e9b-compressed.jpg)
metamorphic
Nephrite Jade / Greenstone
Tremolite-Actinolite solid solution series [Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2]
Hardness: 6-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Grayish-green to dark olive green; Luster: Waxy to greasy when wet or polished; Crystal Structure: Monoclinic with extremely tough interlocked fibrous microstructures; Cleavage: None in massive forms
- Hardness
- 6-6
- Color
- Grayish-green to dark olive green
- Luster
- Waxy to greasy when wet or polished
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Grayish-green to dark olive green; Luster: Waxy to greasy when wet or polished; Crystal Structure: Monoclinic with extremely tough interlocked fibrous microstructures; Cleavage: None in massive forms
Formation & geological history
Formed via low-grade regional metamorphism, typically through reaction between ultramafic rocks (like serpentinite) and silica-rich fluids under high pressure and low-to-moderate temperature conditions.
Uses & applications
Used extensively for lapidary arts, stone carvings, gemstones, jewelry, and decorative items due to its exceptional toughness.
Geological facts
Nephrite jade is one of the toughest natural stone materials known, even tougher than diamond against fracture due to its densely felted micro-fibrous structure. Native cultures used it for making axes, adzes, and blades.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic greasy luster when wet, high density, rounded water-worn stream cobble appearance, smooth feel, and extreme resistance to breaking. Common on gravel bars, beaches, and rivers in Pacific Northwest regions (such as Washington state and British Columbia).
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