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
Measured with a polariscope, a refractometer, a hydrostatic balance, a Chelsea filter, a UV torch, a loupe, a darkfield loupe and a spectroscope — step-by-step for each.
Through the refractometer
Drawn from the refractive index above, on a 1.40–1.81 scale. How to take this reading.
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 2.90–3.03; tougher fibrous texture; slightly lower luster.
- Serpentine: Serpentine: RI 1.560–1.571; SG 2.44–2.62; softer (3–6 Mohs, below jadeite's 6.5–7); wax-like luster; low-hardness material 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
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 132 species in Loupewise’s drill and exam pool — practice identifying it from its measured properties under timed exam conditions.
Practice exams →