Is nephrite better than jadeite?

Is nephrite better than jadeite?

So while jadeite is the denser and harder jade, nephrite is actually the tougher of the two. The rarest and most valuable jadeite is called imperial jade, colored by traces of chromium. It has color and transparency rivaling fine emerald, though imperial jade is slightly more yellow in tone than emerald.

What is the value of nephrite?

Wondering about the value of Nephrite jade? The average price costs around $100-$1,000 USD per pound. Of course, if you’re looking to buy nephrite jewelry, you can choose beautiful pieces for $30-$60 USD. Jade might be one of the most affordable gemstones available, but it’s also one of the oldest and most sacred!

What is the hardness of nephrite jade?

6 to 6.5
Jadeite is 6.5 to 7 and nephrite is 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, so some care should be taken to avoid scratches. However, both of these gemstones have exceptional toughness and are very resistant to breaking or chipping.

Is nephrite more expensive than jadeite?

Both materials are extremely tough and resistant to wear, though nephrite is somewhat tougher. However, the top color for jade, imperial green, only occurs in jadeite. Additionally, jadeite is more likely to be translucent. These factors, in combination with greater rarity, make jadeite more expensive than nephrite.

Is nephrite real jade?

Nephrite is a form of jade which is composed of jade and actinolite. It is slightly softer than jadeite (the other form of jade), but tougher (more resistant to breaking) than jadeite because nephrite has a denser structure.

Is nephrite jade rare?

Nephrite jade by nature and commonality is not rare. But finding a one-colour stone is considered to be rare. When you see nephrite jade that is that deep, dark, solid green, it is considered to be the most valuable and is somewhat rare to find, especially finding a stone that has been mined naturally from the earth.

How much is raw nephrite jade worth?

Jade can be found at different prices for varying rarities. Type A jadeite jade can sell for around $100 per carat. Nephrite jade can sell for as little as $6 per carat. The most expensive jade can sell for as much as $3000 per carat!

Why is nephrite jade so expensive?

It is the most expensive because it is the highest quality, the most sought-after color, and remains today the most highly prized source of jadeite around the world. As mentioned there are three types of Jade and these three classifications are based upon the manufacturing process.

How do I know if my jade is nephrite?

Identifying the varieties of jade is often considered to be quite easy for most experts. Nephrite can frequently be distinguished from jadeite by its lower level of luster and translucency. Nephrite’s luster is slightly more greasy to resinous, while jadeite’s is more vitreous.

How can you tell if jade is nephrite?

Check for a smooth, bright color that reflects light like water.

1. Jade can sometimes be totally opaque, but the opaque stones aren’t very valuable.
2. If it looks like there are air bubbles in the stone, then it’s likely not real.

Is nephrite jade the same as green jade?

Nephrite jade and jadeite were considered the same gem until 1863, when French mineralogist, Alexis Damour, discovered that the two stones were chemically different. Both gems are the signature shade of green we know and love about jade, but there are key differences upon closer inspection.

Can you scratch nephrite jade?

Perform A Scratch Test Jadeite is very hard; it will scratch glass or even metal. Nephrite, however, can be much softer, so performing a scratch test improperly may damage a genuine piece.

Is there a grading standard for nephrite jade?

Since China is the main market for nephrite jade, the local industry has tried for decades to establish a grading standard. However, due to the complexity of the material, this is still a work in progress. One recent change in the national standard of gemstone names is to broaden the definition of “Hetian Jade.”

What is the difference between AA and industrial grade nephrite?

The industrial grades have more muted color and higher concentrations of black inclusions, which are often magnetite and fractures. A similar rough-grading system also works for Siberian green nephrite rough. This carved bangle is made of AA-grade Siberian green nephrite.

What is the best nephrite color?

In China, nephrite names are based on color. White nephrite has always been and still is the most highly revered. Owning a piece of white, or “mutton fat,” nephrite is the dream of all jade collectors. Next on the popularity list is green nephrite.

How much does nephrite cost?

Jade West’s price for top-quality rough nephrite from Canada was twenty dollars a kilo just before the Olympics. Today the top qualities sell for prices between $200 and $2,000 a kilo. This Maori-style pendant is made of green nephrite from a Siberian deposit (#10).