What is jadeite, and what is nephrite? What are the similarities and differences between jadeite and nephrite?

Often times you may hear the terms jade and jadeite, and they are sometimes used interchangeably. But in reality, jade comprises of two types of gemstones - jadeite and nephrite. They have similar characteristics, but because of differences in appearance and durability, jadeite is usually worth more. Jadeite's semi-transparent appearance allows light to pass through the gemstone, illuminating it.

Luxury jadeite pendant with diamonds

Similarities:

1.Both jadeite and nephrite are part of the same jade family.

2.Both jadeite and nephrite come in a wide range of colours, including green, yellow, red, brown and purple.

Differences:

1.Jadeite's hardness is 6.5 to 7 on Mohs scale, while nephrite is 6 to 6.5. This means jadeite is more durable.

2.Jadeite's colour ranges from semi-transparent to opaque, while nephrite is translucent to opaque.

3.Jadeite's chemical composition contains sodium, aluminum, silicon and oxygen. Nephrite contains calcium, silicon, magnesium, iron and oxygen.

4.Jadeite is mainly found in northern Myanmar, while nephrite can be found in Wyoming, Canada, China and Siberia.

5.In Chinese culture, jadeite is the "Stone of Heaven" that is worn by emperors and nobility for thousands of years, and is still widely sought after.

Exquisite jadeite carving of a fish and water lilies