Jade vs Jadeite vs Nephrite
Reviewed July 2026.
"Jade" is a name shared by two different minerals: jadeite and nephrite. Jadeite is the rarer, harder (6.5–7 Mohs) and denser one, and it is the source of the most valuable "imperial" green — fine jadeite reaches millions at auction. Nephrite is tougher, more common, slightly softer (6–6.5) and is the historical Chinese jade, far more affordable. Jadeite tends to take a brighter, more translucent, dimpled "orange-peel" polish; nephrite is more fibrous, waxy and even. Per the GIA, the biggest price factor for jade is treatment: "Type A" is natural and untreated, while acid-bleached-and-resin-filled ("Type B") or dyed ("Type C") jade is worth only a fraction. A gem lab separates jadeite from nephrite by refractive index and specific gravity.
Jadeite vs Nephrite, compared
| Jadeite | Nephrite | |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral family | Pyroxene (jadeite) | Amphibole (actinolite–tremolite) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6.5 – 7 | 6 – 6.5 |
| Density (SG) | Higher (~3.3) | Lower (~2.95) |
| Texture & polish | Brighter, dimpled 'orange-peel', more translucent | Waxy, fibrous, even |
| Top value | 'Imperial' green — up to millions | Far more affordable |
| Classic origin | Myanmar (finest jadeite) | China, Canada, New Zealand, Russia |
Quick tells
- Bright, glassy, dimpled polish + high translucency leans jadeite.
- Waxy, even, slightly fibrous look leans nephrite.
- Color that's too uniform + dye pooling in cracks = treated (Type B/C), not Type A.
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FAQ
- Is jadeite or nephrite more valuable?
- Jadeite — especially translucent 'imperial' emerald-green jadeite — is far more valuable and includes the pieces that sell for millions. Nephrite is the historical, more affordable jade, though fine antique nephrite carvings still carry real value.
- How do I know if my jade is real jadeite?
- Look for a bright, dimpled 'orange-peel' polish and good translucency, check that it's harder (6.5–7) and denser than nephrite, and be wary of dye in cracks or a too-uniform color. A gem lab confirms the mineral and whether it's untreated 'Type A'.
- What is Type A jade?
- Type A is natural, untreated jadeite (only waxed). Type B has been acid-bleached and resin-impregnated, and Type C is dyed — both are worth a fraction of Type A, so a lab certificate matters for expensive pieces.