![]() Skilled gem carvers can utilize a brownish skin or surface on green stones to create a cameo-like effect. Combinations of these elements as well as traces of other elements and inclusions can create yellowish, grey, and brown varieties. Higher iron content gives nephrites closer to actinolite darker colors, like green. Stones closer to tremolite have higher magnesium content and lighter colors, such as the celebrated, creamy white "mutton fat" jade. Nephrite belongs to the tremolite-actinolite mineral series. However, gemologists should distinguish between nephrite jade and jadeite jade. The term "jade" still enjoys widespread use both in the gem trade and in everyday parlance. What the Chinese called yu, scientists identified as nephrite. In effect, this reaffirmed the distinction the Chinese made originally. In 1863, the mineralogist Alexis Damour distinguished jade as two distinct minerals. Both materials soon became known as one mineral in the West, jade, due to their similar external appearance. Nephrite and jadeite are both considered jade, but they're distinct minerals with different properties and natural formation processes.Īs gemologist Jill Hobbs writes, for thousands of years, Chinese artisans made incredible jewelry and works of art from a stone they called yu, but in the mid 18 th century, fei-ts'ui, an intense green-colored stone, entered China from Burma (Myanmar). What's the Difference Between Nephrite, Jadeite, and Jade? Nephrite wine pot, 17th century Qing Dynasty, Mannheim Gallery. Nephrite ornament, boy on a buffalo, Qing Dynasty, China. Used with permission.Ĭonsult our jade buying guide and engagement ring guide for more information on jade value factors. Siberian nephrite, with a dark “spinach green” color and black graphite inclusions, is considered the most valuable green nephrite variety for Western consumers. White nephrite or “mutton fat” jade remains a traditional favorite and the most popular nephrite variety on the Chinese market. ![]() Thus, green nephrite that approximates jadeite’s color is prized as an alternative. Although jadeite is the more highly coveted jade variety, nephrite is more abundant. Elsewhere, the market is dominated by collectors. China is the principal popular consumer market for both jadeite and nephrite.
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