What is the Difference Between Jade and Jadeite?

Jade and jadeite are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different materials. Jade is a generic term that encompasses both nephrite and jadeite, while jadeite refers to a specific mineral. The main differences between jade and jadeite are:

1. Chemical composition: Nephrite jade is a variety of the calcium and magnesium-rich mineral actinolite, while jadeite is a sodium and aluminum-rich pyroxene.
2. Color: Jadeite is generally more colorful than nephrite, occurring in a wide range of hues, including pure emerald greens, lavender, red, orange, yellow, blue, brown, white, black, and gray. The most prized color of jadeite is "imperial jade," which is semi-translucent and gives off a rich green hue. Nephrite typically grows within a shorter spectrum of darker green, white, and sometimes black.
3. Hardness: Although both jadeite and nephrite are relatively hard materials, jadeite is slightly harder, with a Mohs hardness between 6.5 and 7, while nephrite ranges from 6 to 6.5.
4. Rarity and value: Jadeite is rarer and generally more valuable than nephrite, making it the preferred material for high-end jade jewelry.

Both jadeite and nephrite have been used for millennia across the world for tools, ritual objects, and jewelry. They are both made up of tiny, tightly interlocking mineral crystals and belong to the same monoclinic category with slightly differing optical properties. However, it is essential to distinguish between these two materials when shopping for jade, as their differences can affect the price and quality of the piece.

Comparative Table: Jade vs Jadeite

Here is a table comparing the differences between jade and jadeite:

In summary, jadeite is a harder, rarer, and more valuable mineral than nephrite, with a wider range of colors and transparency. It is also graded based on its treatment and purity, while nephrite is not.