Nephrite
Jadeite
Chemical composition
Ca2(Mg, Fe)5Si6O22(OH)
NaAISi2O6
Mineral composition
Amphibole Group
Pyroxene Group
Crystalline structure
fibrous
micro-granular
Hardness
6-6.5
6.5-7.5
Specific gravity
2.9-3.1
about 3.33
Refractive index
1.62
1.65-1.66
Polished surfaces
Smooth with a waxy sheen Appears oily
Hard and lustrous
Color
Evenly distributed; majority translucent in white, dark green, black, seaweed green etc.
Spotty or clustered distribution; white, grey, green