Nephrite vs Jadeite: Understanding the Two Types of Jade
When people say "jade," they could mean one of two very different minerals: nephrite or jadeite. Both are beautiful, both are valuable, but they have distinct characteristics that affect their appearance, price, and cultural significance.
What is Nephrite?
Nephrite is a calcium magnesium silicate. It's the original "jade" — the stone that has been treasured in Chinese culture for over 5,000 years. Key characteristics:
- Colours: White, green, blue, caramel, golden, black
- Texture: Smooth, waxy, warm to the touch
- Hardness: 6.0-6.5 (Mohs scale)
- Toughness: Exceptionally tough — tougher than steel
- Sources: China (Hetian, Nanyang), Canada, Russia, New Zealand
- Price range: £20-£10,000+ depending on quality and colour
What is Jadeite?
Jadeite is a sodium aluminium silicate. It was discovered later and is generally rarer than nephrite. Key characteristics:
- Colours: Green (including vivid "imperial green"), lavender, white, yellow, red
- Texture: Glassy, more translucent than nephrite
- Hardness: 6.5-7.0 (slightly harder than nephrite)
- Sources: Primarily Myanmar (Burma)
- Price range: £50-£1,000,000+ (imperial green jadeite is among the world's most expensive gemstones)
Key Differences
| Feature | Nephrite | Jadeite |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral | Calcium magnesium silicate | Sodium aluminium silicate |
| Lustre | Waxy, warm | Glassy, vitreous |
| Colour range | Subtle, earthy tones | Vivid, saturated colours |
| Cultural history | 5,000+ years in China | ~200 years in China |
| Rarity | More common | Rarer |
| Price | Generally more accessible | Can be extremely expensive |
Which Should You Choose?
Both are genuine jade, and both are beautiful. If you value cultural heritage, warmth of colour, and exceptional durability, nephrite is the classic choice. If you prefer vivid colours and high translucency, jadeite may appeal more.
At Onlan, we specialise in nephrite jade — specifically Hetian jade from the renowned Nanyang region. We chose nephrite because of its deep cultural significance, its beautiful range of colours, and its remarkable durability for everyday wear.