Gemstone profile and identification guide
Black Jade
Black jade is a trade color category for dark jade materials, most often nephrite in commercial use.
Profile Navigation
Overview
Black jade is a trade color category for dark jade materials, most often nephrite in commercial use.
Did you know? Some black jade on the market is heavily treated or belongs to non-jade look-alike materials.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Black Jade
Scientific classification: Aggregate Gem Material (Nephrite/Jadeite Trade Color Category)
Hardness: 6.25 Mohs
Transparency: opaque
Lustre: greasy to vitreous
Crystal system: Monoclinic aggregate context
Primary colour: Black
Secondary colour: Dark Green Black
Colour family: Blacks
Species determination requires testing because black jade trade name does not specify jadeite vs nephrite.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Values are reported as practical gemological ranges where appropriate.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 6.25 Mohs
Chemical composition: Varies by species; commonly dark nephrite with iron-rich components
Crystal system: Monoclinic aggregate context
Common locations: China, Russia, Canada, New Zealand, Guatemala
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Black to near-black jade trade material, often nephrite-dominant in many markets.
Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Nephrite and/or jadeite trade color category
Mineral group: Jade aggregate materials
Chemical formula: Varies by species; commonly dark nephrite with iron-rich components
Mohs hardness: 6.25
Crystal system: Monoclinic aggregate context
Lustre: greasy to vitreous
Transparency: opaque
Streak: White to pale
Cleavage: Species-dependent and usually obscured by aggregate texture
Fracture: Splintery to uneven
Specific gravity: 2.9-3.3 (species-dependent)
Refractive index: 1.60-1.68 (species-dependent)
Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic
Colour range: Black to dark green-black
Common inclusions: Iron-rich spots, fibrous/granular jade textures
Geological environment: Metamorphic serpentinite-associated terranes
Principal mining regions: China, Russia, Canada, New Zealand, Guatemala
Important commercial sources: Black jade in trade is commonly nephrite from China and other nephrite-producing regions, with some jadeite-based materials also sold as black jade
Historical significance: Used in modern carving and jewelry traditions under broad trade naming.
Common treatments: Dyeing and polymer impregnation may occur.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Dyed serpentine, glass, and composites are common imitations.
Common look-alikes: Black serpentine, nephrite simulants, obsidian
Jewellery uses: Used in carvings, beads, pendants, and cultural ornamental objects.
Care recommendations: Jade toughness is generally good; avoid strong chemicals and severe impacts on carved details.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Black Jade.
Formation
Forms in metamorphic settings associated with serpentinized ultramafic rocks and high-pressure tectonic regimes.
Origin
Black jade in trade is commonly nephrite from China and other nephrite-producing regions, with some jadeite-based materials also sold as black jade
Uses
Best for: Used in carvings, beads, pendants, and cultural ornamental objects.
Ideal uses: Carving work and polished jewelry emphasizing deep body color.
Care
Jade toughness is generally good; avoid strong chemicals and severe impacts on carved details.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Commonly confused gemstones
Black Jade FAQ
How can I identify Black Jade?
Compare hardness (6.25 Mohs), crystal system (Monoclinic aggregate context), colour profile, and lustre (greasy to vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Black Jade appear in?
Black to near-black jade trade material, often nephrite-dominant in many markets.
Where is Black Jade commonly used?
Carving work and polished jewelry emphasizing deep body color.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 04 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 04 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 04 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 04 factual verification pass.