Jade (Nephrite)
Image: Lê Phạm Gia Hy (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameJade (Nephrite)
Chemical FormulaCa₂(Mg,Fe²⁺)₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂
Mohs Hardness6
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagepoor to indistinct (due to fibrous nature)
Fracturesplintery
Specific Gravity2.95
Colorscreamy white, yellow, reddish-brown
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityHotan (Khotan), Xinjiang, China
Mineral Groupsilicates (amphibole group)
Usescarvings, jewelry, ornamental objects, tools
Associated Mineralsserpentine, chlorite, talc, magnetite
Rarityuncommon
Description
A smooth, rounded nephrite jade pebble, exhibiting a creamy white and yellowish-brown base color with distinct reddish-brown patches and a waxy luster.
Geological Context
Nephrite forms through the regional or contact metamorphism of magnesium-rich rocks, such as serpentinites or dolomitic limestones, often found in metamorphic belts.
