Jade (Nephrite)
Mineral NameJade (Nephrite)
Chemical FormulaCa₂(Mg,Fe²⁺)₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂
Mohs Hardness6
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect on {110} (two directions at ~56° and ~124°)
Fracturesplintery
Specific Gravity2.95
Colorsgreen, white, yellow, brown, black
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityXinjiang (China), New Zealand, Canada, Russia, USA
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usescarvings, jewelry, ornamental objects
Associated Mineralsserpentine, magnetite, chromite, garnet
Rarityuncommon
Description
Nephrite is a tough, compact variety of the amphibole mineral actinolite, characterized by its interlocking fibrous texture. The specimen shown is a pale, translucent green with a smooth, polished surface.
Geological Context
Nephrite forms primarily through the metamorphism of magnesium-rich rocks, such as serpentinites or dolomitic limestones, under conditions of low to moderate temperature and high pressure. It is often found in contact metamorphic zones or regional metamorphic terrains.
