Jadeite
Last updated: April 2026
The rarer and more valuable of the two minerals known as jade.
Jadeite has a specific gravity of 3.34 and a refractive index of 1.654–1.688, with a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7.0. It is aggregate.
Physical & Optical Properties
RI Range1.654–1.688
SG Range3.24–3.43
SG Typical3.34
Hardness (Mohs)6.5–7
Crystal SystemAggregate
Optic CharacterAggregate
Dispersion0.000
Fluorescence LWInert
Fluorescence SWInert
Chelsea FilterVariable
PleochroismNone
ColorsGreen, Purple, Colorless, Black, Red Pink, Yellow Orange, Multi
SpeciesJadeite
Key Differentiators
- Interlocking blocky granular texture (orange-peel surface on polished stones)
- Dimpled surface on polished stones
- Higher SG than nephrite
Common Simulants
- Nephrite jade: Nephrite: aggregate structure; RI 1.600–1.627; SG 2.90–3.02; tougher fibrous texture; slightly lower luster.
- Serpentine: Serpentine: RI 1.560–1.570; SG 2.57; much softer (3–4 Mohs); wax-like luster; scratches easily.
- Hydrogrossular garnet (Transvaal jade): Isotropic SR; RI ~1.720; SG 3.47; often has black spots (chromite inclusions); heavier feel.
- Aventurine quartz: Aggregate DR; RI 1.544–1.553; SG 2.65; sparkly aventurescence from fuchsite inclusions.
Commonly Confused With
Commonly confused with: Nephrite, Serpentine, Hydrogrossular Garnet, Quartz, Amazonite, Aventurine, Prehnite.
Treatments
- Type B — Bleached and polymer-impregnated
- Type C — Dyed
- Type B+C — Bleached, impregnated, and dyed
Price Context
Natural — low ($/ct)$100
Natural — high ($/ct)$5,000
NotePer carat; highly variable; fine Imperial green jadeite (Type A) can exceed $30,000/ct
Price context is approximate. Loupewise is not an appraisal tool. Results are indicators, not certified valuations.
Related Comparisons
Measurement Guides
Identifying a jadeite? Loupewise walks through these tests in order — RI, SG, fluorescence, and more.
Try Loupewise Free →Studying for the GIA, FGA, or FEEG practical? Jadeite is one of the 130 species in Loupewise’s drill and exam pool — practice identifying it from its measured properties under timed exam conditions.
Practice exams →