metamorphic
Nephrite Jade
Ca2(Mg, Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2
Hardness: 6-6.5 Mohs scale; Color: typically shades of green, creamy white, or brownish; Luster: greasy to vitreous; Crystal structure: monoclinic (interlocking fibrous texture); Specific gravity: 2.90–3.03.
- Hardness
- 6-6
- Color
- typically shades of green, creamy white, or brownish
- Luster
- greasy to vitreous
Identified More metamorphic →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6-6.5 Mohs scale; Color: typically shades of green, creamy white, or brownish; Luster: greasy to vitreous; Crystal structure: monoclinic (interlocking fibrous texture); Specific gravity: 2.90–3.03.
Formation & geological history
Formed via contact metamorphism or hydrothermal alteration of ultramafic rocks (like serpentinite) or dolomitic limestones. It is characterized by an extremely tough felted texture of actinolite-tremolite fibers.
Uses & applications
Extremely popular for lapidary work, jewelry, ornamental carvings, and historical tools/weapons due to its high toughness and resistance to fracturing.
Geological facts
Nephrite is one of two distinct minerals known as jade (the other being Jadeite). It was historically known as 'axe stone' because its extreme toughness made it ideal for Neolithic tools.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its waxy/greasy luster when wet, high density, and smooth river-worn surface. It is commonly found in alluvial deposits or as boulders in rivers in British Columbia, New Zealand, and Wyoming.
More like this
