Types of Jade

There are 2 families of Jade namely Jadeite (硬玉) & Nephrite (软玉). Both are under the semi-precious crystal. 

Origins: 

Jadeite Jade are mostly found in Myanmar (70% of the supply), Guatemala, US, Japan, Russia & other parts of the World. 

Nephrite Jade are mostly found in China, Australia, Brazil, Russia, Taiwan & other parts of the World. 

Colours & Texture: 

Jadeite Jade comes in green, lavender, yellow, blueish green, white & black. Jadeite Jade is made up of grainy crystals that interlock in a very compact & dense structure. Generally used for delicate carvings & designs because of its hardness & density.  

The highest grade is known as the “Imperial Jade” (帝王玉) that looks translucent to semi-transparent in a bright, emerald green colour found in the northern region of Myanmar. 

Nephrite Jade comes in mid to dark-green shades & the rarer ones are in white, grey & reddish-brown hues. Nephrite Jade is made up of fibrous crystals that interlock in a matte texture. Generally used for simpler carvings & applications because of its softness & durability.

The highest grade is known as “Mutton Fat Jade” (羊脂白玉) a creamy translucent white to a very light-yellow shade with a glossy, smooth texture resembling the colour & translucency of a piece of sheep fat found in He Tian China. This is due to the high level of magnesium found in Nephrite.

Hardness & Density:

Under the Mohs Hardness Scale by Friedrich Mohs which is used to determine a gemstone/mineral's resistance to surface scratches & toughness defined by how well the gem responds to an impact (breakages, chips, cracks). 

Diamonds known as the hardest mineral on earth is ranked as a 10 being the highest level. Followed by Corundum (Ruby and Sapphire) 9 on the Mohs scale. Any gems with a lower hardness level on the scale will be able to be scratched by them such as a Topaz (8), Quartz (7) or, Jade (6-7).

Jadeite Jade has a hardness level of 6.5 - 7 & density range of 3.30-3.38 when scratched it may leave a mark. Chemically, Jadeite is composed of sodium aluminium silicate (making it harder than Nephrite.)

Nephrite Jade has a hardness level of 6 - 6.5 & density range of 2.9-3.03 when scratched it produces a powdery residue. Chemically, Nephrite is composed of calcium magnesium iron silicate.

Back in the stone ages, Jade was used to make tools & weapons due to its exceptional toughness. The tougher the gem, the more suitable it is to be worn as a jewellery.

Feng Shui Uses: 

Jadeite Jade are commonly used to attract Wealth, Prosperity, Abundance & Protection. It encourages spiritual growth, awakening & balances the flow of energy (qi). 

Nephrite Jade are commonly used to attract Wealth, Luck, Love & Happiness. It can be used for manifestations & setting intentions regarding wealth & love.