Gemstone profile and identification guide
Green Jade
Green jade is a trade category encompassing green jadeite and green nephrite materials.
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Overview
Green jade is a trade category encompassing green jadeite and green nephrite materials.
Did you know? In gemology, jade always means either jadeite or nephrite, not other green stones.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Green Jade
Scientific classification: Aggregate Gem Material (Jadeite and/or Nephrite, Trade Name)
Hardness: 6.5 Mohs
Transparency: translucent
Lustre: greasy to vitreous
Crystal system: Monoclinic aggregate context
Primary colour: Green
Secondary colour: Dark Green
Colour family: Greens
Species-level separation requires gemological testing (RI, structure, and spectral behavior) because trade name is broad.
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: 6.5 Mohs
Chemical composition: Varies: jadeite (NaAlSi2O6) and/or nephrite [Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2]
Crystal system: Monoclinic aggregate context
Common locations: Myanmar, Guatemala, China (Xinjiang), Canada (British Columbia), Russia
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Green jade trade material ranging from pale to deep green depending on species and chromophores.
Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Jadeite and/or nephrite aggregate trade category
Mineral group: Pyroxene and amphibole jade materials
Chemical formula: Varies: jadeite (NaAlSi2O6) and/or nephrite [Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2]
Mohs hardness: 6.5
Crystal system: Monoclinic aggregate context
Lustre: greasy to vitreous
Transparency: translucent
Streak: White
Cleavage: Varies by species; typically obscured by aggregate texture
Fracture: Splintery to uneven
Specific gravity: 2.90-3.34 (species-dependent)
Refractive index: 1.60-1.68 (species-dependent)
Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic
Colour range: Pale green to deep green
Common inclusions: Fibrous texture, granular structure, black mineral spots
Geological environment: High-pressure metamorphic and serpentinized environments
Principal mining regions: Myanmar, Guatemala, China (Xinjiang), Canada (British Columbia), Russia
Important commercial sources: Green jade in trade includes both jadeite-dominant material (notably Myanmar/Guatemala) and nephrite (China/Canada/Russia)
Historical significance: Culturally significant gemstone category across East Asia and Mesoamerica.
Common treatments: Bleaching, polymer impregnation, and dyeing are common in treated jade products.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Dyed quartz, glass, serpentine, and polymer composites are common imitations.
Common look-alikes: Serpentine, dyed quartzite, chrysoprase
Jewellery uses: Used in carvings, cabochons, bangles, beads, and cultural art objects.
Care recommendations: Toughness is high, but avoid harsh chemicals and severe blows on thin carvings.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Green Jade.
Formation
Forms in metamorphic environments related to subduction and serpentinized ultramafic-rock interactions.
Origin
Green jade in trade includes both jadeite-dominant material (notably Myanmar/Guatemala) and nephrite (China/Canada/Russia)
Uses
Best for: Used in carvings, cabochons, bangles, beads, and cultural art objects.
Ideal uses: Carvings and jewelry emphasizing toughness and color.
Care
Toughness is high, but avoid harsh chemicals and severe blows on thin carvings.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Commonly confused gemstones
Green Jade FAQ
How can I identify Green Jade?
Compare hardness (6.5 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 Green Jade appear in?
Green jade trade material ranging from pale to deep green depending on species and chromophores.
Where is Green Jade commonly used?
Carvings and jewelry emphasizing toughness and 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.