Green Jade Explained

There are two gemstones gemologically considered jade in the USA: Jadeite jade (also called fei cui), and nephrite jade.  These gems are both beautiful carving stones with incredible toughness and longstanding historical significance. However, they are chemically different and have separate histories, though they've been known to intertwine.

Jadeite Jade

At Mason-Kay Jade, most of what we sell is jadeite jade. All of the jadeite jade we sell is natural (untreated) and gem-quality. Our mounted jades are set in fine metals with genuine colored gemstones.

Jadeite jade was treasured by at least seven different Mesoamerican civilizations (including the Olmec, Maya and Aztec) between 1500 BC and 1500 AD for its beauty and durability. Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, China wouldn’t discover jadeite until the 1700s—but once they did, it quickly became an object of reverence. Most valued in it's green color, jadeite jade famously captured the attention of historical figures such as Emperor Qianlong, the Dowager Empress Cixi, and Madame Chiang Kai-Shek.

Today, jadeite jade in fine gem qualities is known to fetch exceptionally high prices, as in the case of Barbara Hutton's famous Hutton-Mdivani Necklace which sold for $27.4 million in 2014.  Jadeite jade colors include green, lavender, blue, red, orange, yellow, grey, white, brown, and black.

Jadeite jade has a Moh's hardness rating of 6-7, making it suitable for everyday wear. However, storing jadeite jade next to diamond jewelry may result in abrasion, so please store jade with care.

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite jade has been revered in China going as far back as China's history itself. Most valued in it's white color, much of the nephrite jade market is in antique statuary. In fine metal jewelry such as rings and earrings, green nephrite jade may be preferred to white, especially from origins such as China, Russia, Taiwan, and Canada -- though it is available from many other locales around the world.

Nephrite jade in it's highest qualities can be the toughest gemstone in the world, meaning it's highly resistant to breaking.  It's especially beloved in beads and bangles, and it's hardness rating of 5.5-6.5 makes it suitable for everyday wear.