Jade
| Colour | Green |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 6–7 |
| Lustre | waxy |
| Streak | colorless |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic |
| Transparency | Translucent, opaque |
| Cleavage | None |
| Fracture | Splintery |
| Specific gravity | 2.9–3.38 |
What is Jade?
Jade is an umbrella term for two different types of decorative rocks used for jewelry or ornaments. Jade is often referred to by either of two different silicate mineral names: nephrite, or jadeite. Nephrite is typically green, although it may be yellow, white or black. Jadeite varies from white or near-colorless, through various shades of green, to lavender, yellow, orange, brown and black. Rarely it may be blue. Both of these names refer to their use as gemstones, and each has a mineralogically more specific name. Both the amphibole jade (nephrite) and pyroxene jade are mineral aggregates (r
How to identify Jade
- Lustre: waxy.
- Hardness: Mohs 6–7 — about as hard as a steel knife.
- Streak: colorless.
- Habit: Monoclinic crystal system.
Jade in different forms
Stones often confused with Jade
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Jade?
Jade is Mohs 6–7 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Jade?
Jade is typically green (Virtually all colors, mostly green).