Jadeite vs Nephrite: The Two True Jades Compared (2026)
In short
Jadeite and nephrite are both genuine jade but different minerals. Jadeite is rarer, harder and usually more valuable, capable of vivid green and glassy translucency. Nephrite (including Hetian jade) is tougher, warmer and more affordable, ideal for everyday wear. Choose nephrite for beautiful daily jewelry at fair prices; choose certified Type A jadeite for a rare collector stone.
Comparison at a glance
| Feature | Jadeite | Nephrite (Hetian) |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral | Pyroxene (jadeite) | Amphibole (actinolite–tremolite) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6.5 – 7 | 6 – 6.5 |
| Toughness | Very high | Highest of all gems |
| Luster | Glassy, vitreous | Waxy to oily |
| Typical colours | Green, lavender, white, black | White, spinach green, yellow, lavender |
| Transparency | Can be semi-transparent ('water') | Usually translucent to opaque |
| Top origin | Myanmar (Burma), Guatemala | Hetian (Xinjiang), Russia, Qinghai |
| Price range | Affordable to extremely high | Affordable to high |
| Best for | Collector / statement pieces | Everyday wear, gifting, carving |
What they are
Both jadeite and nephrite are genuinely "jade", but they are two distinct minerals. Jadeite is a sodium-aluminium pyroxene; nephrite is a calcium-magnesium amphibole. They were only scientifically separated in 1863 — before that, both were simply "jade". This is why both are correctly called real jade today.
How they look
Jadeite can be brighter and more crystalline, with a glassy shine and, in the best material, a semi-transparent quality jade lovers call "water". Nephrite has a warmer, waxy-to-oily glow and a felted, ultra-tough structure that resists chipping — one reason it has been carved in China for over 5,000 years.
Price ranges (indicative)
Prices vary enormously with quality, but these ranges help set expectations for finished retail jewelry:
| Tier | Jadeite | Nephrite (Hetian) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry / everyday | $50 – $300 | $40 – $250 |
| Fine / gift | $300 – $3,000 | $250 – $2,000 |
| Collector | $3,000 – $100,000+ | $2,000 – $30,000+ |
Ranges are indicative for finished jewelry and depend on colour, texture, clarity, size and workmanship. Final quotes are confirmed on enquiry.
What "Type A" means
Type A jade is natural and untreated — only mechanically polished, never dyed or impregnated with polymer. Type B (bleached and resin-filled) and Type C (dyed) look attractive initially but degrade and hold little value. Insist on Type A with an independent certificate for any fine piece.
Jadeite origin: Guatemalan vs Burmese
Jadeite comes mainly from Myanmar (Burma) and Guatemala — both genuine, natural jadeite. One practical difference matters for shipping: the United States and EU restrict imports of Burmese jadeite, so for US/EU delivery, Guatemalan jadeite is the simpler choice. We label the origin on every piece so you can choose with full information.
Which should you buy?
For versatile, beautiful everyday jewelry at fair prices, choose nephrite (Hetian). For a rare, vivid collector piece, choose certified Type A jadeite. We offer both — explore the collection and enquire for guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Is jadeite or nephrite more valuable?
Jadeite is generally more valuable. Top 'imperial green' jadeite is among the most expensive gem materials in the world, while fine nephrite (including Hetian jade) is more attainable. The exception is top mutton-fat white nephrite, which can rival mid-grade jadeite.
Is Hetian jade jadeite or nephrite?
Hetian jade is nephrite. It is the most famous nephrite in Chinese culture, prized for its dense, oily texture and white 'mutton-fat' colour. Jadeite (Burmese or Guatemalan) is a different mineral.
Which is harder, jadeite or nephrite?
Jadeite is slightly harder (Mohs ~6.5–7) than nephrite (~6–6.5), but nephrite is actually tougher (more resistant to breaking) because of its interlocking fibrous structure. Both are durable enough for everyday jewelry.
How can I tell jadeite from nephrite?
Jadeite tends to look brighter and more crystalline with a glassy shine and can show vivid green; nephrite has a warmer, waxy-to-oily glow and is often white, spinach-green or lavender. For certainty, only a gemological certificate is reliable.
What does 'Type A' mean, and does it apply to both?
'Type A' means natural and untreated — polished only, never dyed or resin-filled. It is most commonly used for jadeite but the same principle (natural, untreated) is what you want in any jade. Insist on a certificate for fine pieces.
Can I ship Burmese jadeite to the US or EU?
The US and EU restrict imports of Burmese (Myanmar) jadeite. For US/EU delivery, Guatemalan jadeite or nephrite is the simpler choice. We label the origin on every piece so you can choose with full information.
Looking for a specific piece?
Browse our certified, Type A collection or send us an enquiry.
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