nephrite

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Photo courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, Global Gemology & Appraisals

Species:  Nephrite
Mohs Hardness:  6 to 6.5 out of 10
Color:  Translucent to opaque, light to dark grayish green, possibly with lighter or darker mottling
RI:  1.606 to 1.632 (+0.009 / -0.006)
Birefringence:  Usually not detectable
SR/DR/AGG:  AGG
Fluorescence:  Inert
SG:  2.95 (+0.15 / -0.05)

nephrite facts

Photo courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, Global Gemology & Appraisals

There are two different types of jade:  jadeite and nephrite.

Nephrite's colors tend to be more muted than jadeite's, and are often mottled or streaked.​

​Jade has deep cultural roots in Chinese culture and is often carved into symbolic figures such as Buddhas or pierced discs.  

Jade is tough, but not hard.  Jade is a relatively soft gem, making them great gems for carving.  However, jade is very tough (i.e. difficult to break) and was used as knives and axe heads.

Nephrite rings when struck.  Nephrite was used as wind chimes at the imperial court in China.​

​Jade is the 12th wedding anniversary gemstone.
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Photo courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, Global Gemology & Appraisals