Jadeite, Nephrite, and Serpentine

• Posted on 18 August 2022
• By Kira Clayton
• 0

Jade is a valuable stone that has been used to make jewelry and ornaments since the Stone Age. Jade is the name given to two different but similar minerals called Jadeite and Nephrite. Jade has a significant place in East Asian, South Asian, and Southeast Asian art history. It also had spiritual significance in pre-Colombian Mesoamerican cultures.

Jade is a valuable stone that has been used to make jewelry and ornaments since the Stone Age. Jade is the name given to two different but similar minerals called Jadeite and Nephrite. Jade has a significant place in East Asian, South Asian, and Southeast Asian art history. It also had spiritual significance in pre-Colombian Mesoamerican cultures.

The main differences between Jadeite and Nephrite Jade are monetary value and crystalline structure. Jadeite is a harder mineral ( a 6.5 to 7 on the Moh's scale) however the crystalline structure of Jadeite is more grainy and less densely woven than Nephrite. Nephrite is a 6 to 6.5 on the Moh's scale, making it a slightly softer stone however, Nephrite has densely woven fibrous crystals, making it a lot less breakable than Jadeite. Jadeite is the more valuable of the two minerals. Jadeite comes in a WIDE range of colors, with "Imperial Jade" (a transparent, gemmy emerald color) being the most expensive and sought-after shade. 

Nephrite was the form of Jade used in Chinese art until the introduction of Jadeite from Burma in the 1800s. Nephrite is a member of the amphibole mineral group, which is a group of inosilicate minerals that grow in prismatic or needle-like crystals. Nephrite is more common than Jadeite and less expensive. It ranges in color from deep to light green and also comes in white (mutton fat Jade) and yellow. 

Serpentine is a similar stone, often referred to as Korean Jade. Serpentine is found within the mineral Serpentinite and is the California State Mineral. It's softer than both Jadeite and Nephrite and scratches more easily. 

Jade has been used for spiritual and metaphysical purposes for thousands of years. It stimulates the heart chakra, promoting positivity, optimism, and harmony. Jade can heal emotional and spiritual wounds by tapping into your self-compassion and forgiveness. Jade inspires growth and regeneration, it shifts old perspectives and freshens up your worldview. Jade can also bring forth prosperity and good luck.