Nephrite
green · Jade family
| Also known as | Jade (Jade family) |
|---|---|
| Colour | Green |
| Mohs hardness | 6.0 to 6.5 |
| Lustre | dull |
| Streak | colorless |
| Crystal system | monoclinic |
| Transparency | Translucent, opaque |
| Cleavage | None |
| Fracture | splintery to granular |
| Chemical formula | Ca 2 (Mg,Fe) 5 Si 8 O 22 (OH) 2 |
| Specific gravity | 2.95 |
What is Nephrite?
Nephrite is a variety of the calcium, magnesium, and iron-rich amphibole minerals tremolite, actinolite or ferro-actinolite (aggregates of which also make up one form of asbestos). The chemical formula for nephrite is Ca2(Mg, Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2. It is one of two different mineral species called jade. The other mineral species known as jade is jadeite, which is a variety of pyroxene. While nephrite jade possesses mainly grays and greens (and occasionally yellows, browns, black or whites), jadeite jade, which is rarer, can also contain blacks, reds, pinks and violets. Nephrite jade is an ornamental
How to identify Nephrite
- Lustre: dull.
- Hardness: Mohs 6.0 to 6.5 — about as hard as a steel knife.
- Streak: colorless.
- Habit: monoclinic crystal system.
Nephrite value
Based on 100 recent eBay sold listings, a polished / carved Nephrite typically sells for $13–$37. After eBay fees a seller nets roughly $14 on a median piece.
| Recently sold | Weight | Sold | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural HQ Nephrite Jade Peapod Pendant 925 clamp Hetian see details | — | $30 | 2026-06-21 |
| Variety of Natural Drilled Crystals Yoni Egg Kegel Exercise Vagina Muscle | — | $15 | 2026-06-20 |
| Natural Nephrite Jade Turtle Carving Gemstone Tortoise Figurine Healing Decor | — | $15 | 2026-06-20 |
| Chinese old natural Nephrite Mutton Fat jade hand-carved Double dragon 26029 | — | $35 | 2026-06-19 |
| Nephrite Jade Turtle Crystal Carving Hand Carved Figurine Lucky Home Decor Gifts | — | $14 | 2026-06-19 |
| 318g Natural Green Nephrite Jade Polished Point Tower Crystal - Afghanistan - AA | 318 g | $37 | 2026-06-18 |
Typical recently-sold prices, 2026-06. Condition, size and quality vary widely, so this is an estimate, not an appraisal. See current sold listings on eBay ↗. Full value guide · how we work this out.
