The beautiful precious gemstones known as “jade”  are all actually one or other of two distinct kinds of minerals –  jadeitite and nephrite – that were long mistakenly believed to be the same thing.  It was only in  the year 1863 that French scientists established otherwise.

Jadeite and nephrite gems transported from China and other countries during the Renaissance  era and beyond were all considered to be jade. In fact, even nowadays nephrite and jadeite are still called called even though they are two different types of minerals.  Nephrite from BC, Canada is often known as “BC Jade.”

Jade is used to create an array of different kinds of jewelry  such as jade earrings, jade necklaces, jade bracelets. If Jade is deemed to be somewhat flawed, it will likely be used to craft jade sculptures.  

Nephrite and Jadeite 

Pure nephrite and jadeite both have a  white appearance. Other colors in Jade are due to other minerals other minerals in the mix. 

Nephrite is ranked 6 to 6.5 on the “Mohs Scale,” a system of defining the degree of hardness of minerals and other solids. Jadeite on the other hand has a Mohs scale 6-5 to 7.

Jadeite

Jadeite usually originates in Burma, where it is mined, and is regarded to be more commercially valuable than nephrite.  Jadeite Jade more hard and dense than  nephrites  and comes in a greater array of colors than nephrite.

 Nephrite

Nephrite jades come in such colors as white, various shades of green, light brown, or yellow.  Mystical and medicinal qualities are attributed to nephrite, and it is also known as  ”kidney stones” for its perceived healing properties.

Nephrites are certainly visually appealing and  highly resilient gem stones that will not easily crack or shatter. 

Nephrite jade originas  in many places, including Canada with the worlds largest nephrite mines,  Siberia, the United States, South Korea, Siberia, South Korea, and  New Zealand.