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Gemstone profile and identification guide

Nephrite

Nephrite profile is under factual gemological review. Properties shown here are provisional unless marked as verified.

6.25 Mohs Green, Brown Amphibole (Nephrite Jade)
Nephrite

Overview

Nephrite profile is under factual gemological review. Properties shown here are provisional unless marked as verified.

Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.

Identification

Name: Nephrite

Scientific classification: Amphibole (Nephrite Jade)

Hardness: 6.25 Mohs

Transparency: translucent to opaque

Lustre: greasy to silky

Crystal system: Monoclinic

Primary colour: Green

Secondary colour: Brown

Colour family: Greens

When separating Nephrite from similar-looking stones, pay attention to the combination of 6.5 Mohs hardness, vitreous lustre, and hexagonal crystal structure. The interaction between green and brown tones is more useful than the primary colour alone when comparing candidates. Useful side-by-side comparisons include Topaz, Moonstone, Peridot.

Verification Status

Status: verified-core-fields

Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society

Core identity fields reviewed against consensus gemological references (GIA/Gem-A/Mindat/IGS).

Some market- and locality-level details may still require citation-grade source notes for publication workflows.

Physical Properties

Hardness category: medium

Hardness value: 6.25 Mohs

Chemical composition: Calcium magnesium iron silicate hydroxide [Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2]

Crystal system: Monoclinic

Common locations: China (Xinjiang), Canada (British Columbia), Russia (Siberia), New Zealand

Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.

Colour Variations

Nephrite sits in the greens grouping here, usually reading first as green with brown appearing as a secondary note or modifier.

Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.

Detailed Gemology

Mineral species: Nephrite (tremolite-actinolite series)

Mineral group: Amphibole group

Chemical formula: Calcium magnesium iron silicate hydroxide [Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2]

Mohs hardness: 6.25

Crystal system: Monoclinic

Lustre: greasy to silky

Transparency: translucent to opaque

Streak: White

Cleavage: Generally obscured by aggregate texture

Fracture: Splintery to uneven

Specific gravity: 2.90-3.38 (species-dependent)

Refractive index: 1.60-1.68 (species-dependent)

Optical phenomena: None commonly reported

Colour range: Green, Brown

Common inclusions: Fibrous/granular textures, black mineral spots, and healed fractures

Geological environment: Nephrite occurs in High-pressure metamorphic terrains and serpentinized ultramafic environments. Its Monoclinic structure reflects the pressure-temperature conditions of those host rocks, with notable occurrences in China (Xinjiang), Canada (British Columbia), Russia (Siberia), New Zealand.

Principal mining regions: China (Xinjiang), Canada (British Columbia), Russia (Siberia), New Zealand

Important commercial sources: Commercial nephrite production is led by China and Canada, with additional material from Russia and New Zealand

Historical significance: Jade has exceptional cultural significance across East Asian and Mesoamerican traditions.

Common treatments: Bleaching, polymer impregnation, and dyeing are established trade treatments and require disclosure.

Synthetic or imitation forms: Dyed quartzite, serpentine, glass, and composite imitations are common.

Common look-alikes: topaz, moonstone, peridot

Jewellery uses: Nephrite is used chiefly for Best for jewellery and display pieces where colour, pattern, or internal effect matters more than maximum wear resistance.. In the trade it is commonly fashioned as faceted stones, calibrated cuts, and higher-clarity collector pieces, with Mohs hardness 6.25 guiding suitable jewellery applications.

Care recommendations: Nephrite should be cleaned with lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. At Mohs 6.25 in the Monoclinic system, avoid steam cleaners, harsh chemicals, and high-impact wear. Protect cleavage directions from sharp knocks during wear and setting.

Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Nephrite.

Formation

Nephrite is a Nephrite (tremolite-actinolite series) material with chemistry Calcium magnesium iron silicate hydroxide [Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2]. It develops in High-pressure metamorphic terrains and serpentinized ultramafic environments, and economically significant production is associated with China (Xinjiang), Canada (British Columbia), Russia (Siberia), New Zealand.

Origin

Commercial nephrite production is led by China and Canada, with additional material from Russia and New Zealand

Uses

Best for: Nephrite is used chiefly for Best for jewellery and display pieces where colour, pattern, or internal effect matters more than maximum wear resistance.. In the trade it is commonly fashioned as faceted stones, calibrated cuts, and higher-clarity collector pieces, with Mohs hardness 6.25 guiding suitable jewellery applications.

Ideal uses: Best for jewellery and display pieces where colour, pattern, or internal effect matters more than maximum wear resistance.

Care

Nephrite should be cleaned with lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. At Mohs 6.25 in the Monoclinic system, avoid steam cleaners, harsh chemicals, and high-impact wear. Protect cleavage directions from sharp knocks during wear and setting.

Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.

Nephrite FAQ

How can I identify Nephrite?

Compare hardness (6.25 Mohs), crystal system (Monoclinic), colour profile, and lustre (greasy to silky) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.

What colour range does Nephrite appear in?

Nephrite sits in the greens grouping here, usually reading first as green with brown appearing as a secondary note or modifier.

Where is Nephrite commonly used?

Best for jewellery and display pieces where colour, pattern, or internal effect matters more than maximum wear resistance.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.