Is this nephrite or jadeite jade?

Jade is a trade name covering two distinct minerals: nephrite (a calcium magnesium iron silicate) and jadeite (a sodium aluminum silicate). Both are monoclinic, both polish well, and both have been called jade for centuries, but they differ in chemistry, toughness, and typical sourcing. Nephrite tends to come from China, Canada (British Columbia), Russia, and New Zealand; jadeite is associated with Burma/Myanmar and Guatemala. For most bead and stringing applications either works similarly, but the distinction matters if a client is asking for a particular material by name.

What does 'Type B' jadeite mean, and how can I tell if a strand is treated?

The trade classifies jadeite in three grades by treatment: Type A is untreated (wax surface coating only), Type B has been bleached with acid to remove iron staining and then impregnated with polymer resin to restore structure, and Type C is dyed. Type B material can look bright and translucent but the polymer degrades over years and is sensitive to heat, ultrasonics, and solvents. Nephrite is more often sold natural or dyed than polymer-treated.

Which stones are sold as 'jade' but aren't actually jade?

Several look-alikes circulate under jade trade names. 'New Jade' and 'Olive Jade' are usually serpentine, a softer mineral (Mohs 3–6) with a waxier feel. 'African Jade' is typically grossular garnet or a green hydrogrossular. 'Malaysia Jade' and 'Mountain Jade' are dyed quartzite or dolomite marble. Aventurine and chrysoprase get confused with apple-green jadeite. None of these are wrong to use in jewelry, but they're not jade and shouldn't be sold as such.

What kinds of projects suit jade beads best?

Jade's Mohs 6–7 hardness and exceptional toughness (especially nephrite, with its felted fiber structure) make it one of the more wear-resistant materials in the bead trade. It handles bracelets, necklaces, and earrings without chipping at the drill holes, and the 6mm/8mm/10mm rounds Dakota stocks most heavily are workhorse sizes for mala-style strands, knotted necklaces, and stacking bracelets. Faceted rounds and microfaceted rounds add sparkle for layered designs. Jade pairs cleanly with gold-fill, sterling, freshwater pearl, and other natural greens — and the muted nephrite tones work well alongside lapis, carnelian, and onyx for Asian-influenced designs.

How should finished jade jewelry be cared for?

Untreated nephrite and jadeite are durable enough for daily wear. Clean with mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth; rinse and dry thoroughly. Ultrasonic and steam cleaning are generally safe for untreated material but should be avoided for Type B (polymer-impregnated) jadeite and for any dyed jade, since solvents, heat, and prolonged UV exposure can fade color or break down resin. Keep jade away from harsh household chemicals, chlorinated water, and perfume sprayed directly onto the piece. Store separately from harder stones like topaz, sapphire, or quartz to prevent surface scratches over time.

Natural African Jade Beads – 4mm Round, A Grade, 15–16" Strand

This is a Dakota Stones 4mm West African Jade Gemstone strand with A grade round beads in 15-16 inch strand.

African Jade 4mm Round A Grade - 15-16 Inch

$11.00 - $11.00

$11.00

$11.00 - $11.00

$11.00

West African Jade is a complex Calcium Aluminum Silicate and is a Nephrite Jade. Its bright green coloration is due to traces of chromium. Metaphysically, it is a gemstone of general healing abilities and is considered to specifically aid kidney and skin related disorders and diseases.

SKU AJD4RD-A

Product Specifications

Stone type

Jade

Cut

Round

Bead size

4mm

Strand length

15-16 Inch

Approx. beads / strand

100

Drill style

Center-drilled

Hole size

0.8-1.1mm

Grade

A Grade

Mohs hardness

6–7

Mineral family

Jade

Treatment

Natural

Typical origin

ChinaBurma/MyanmarGuatemalaCanada (British Columbia)New ZealandRussia

Care

Mohs 6–7 (jadeite is the tougher of the two due to its interlocking crystal structure). Mild soap and soft cloth; ultrasonic generally safe for untreated material but should be avoided for Type B / polymer-impregnated jadeite. Many trade-name 'jades' (New Jade, Serpentine Jade, African Jade) are not true jade — check the species on the product page.

Nephrite and jadeite — the two jades, and why they last

Jade is two minerals that share a name. Nephrite, the older jade of China, British Columbia and New Zealand, is a felted mass of amphibole fibers; jadeite, from Burma and Guatemala, is a granular pyroxene that reached China from Burma only in the late 1700s. Both sit at Mohs 6–7 but are far tougher than the number — the fibers and interlocked grains resist breaking, which is why jade was carved for millennia before it was cut into beads. Both take a soft, waxy polish, and most strands are natural.

New jade, African jade, yellow jade — the trade names, and what they are

The bead trade sells several stones as jade. New jade, olive jade, lemon jade and new Burma jade are serpentine — softer, Mohs 2.5–5.5, with the same waxy green. African jade is a green grossular garnet, also sold as Transvaal jade. Yellow jade, flower jade, rainbow jade and green-and-white jade are trade names for opaque and mottled material sold by color. Each strand carries its trade name and its recorded treatment — nearly all natural, with dyed material titled dyed — and the product page names the species.

Frequently asked questions

Is this nephrite or jadeite jade?

Jade is a trade name covering two distinct minerals: nephrite (a calcium magnesium iron silicate) and jadeite (a sodium aluminum silicate). Both are monoclinic, both polish well, and both have been called jade for centuries, but they differ in chemistry, toughness, and typical sourcing. Nephrite tends to come from China, Canada (British Columbia), Russia, and New Zealand; jadeite is associated with Burma/Myanmar and Guatemala. For most bead and stringing applications either works similarly, but the distinction matters if a client is asking for a particular material by name.
What does 'Type B' jadeite mean, and how can I tell if a strand is treated?

The trade classifies jadeite in three grades by treatment: Type A is untreated (wax surface coating only), Type B has been bleached with acid to remove iron staining and then impregnated with polymer resin to restore structure, and Type C is dyed. Type B material can look bright and translucent but the polymer degrades over years and is sensitive to heat, ultrasonics, and solvents. Nephrite is more often sold natural or dyed than polymer-treated.
Which stones are sold as 'jade' but aren't actually jade?

Several look-alikes circulate under jade trade names. 'New Jade' and 'Olive Jade' are usually serpentine, a softer mineral (Mohs 3–6) with a waxier feel. 'African Jade' is typically grossular garnet or a green hydrogrossular. 'Malaysia Jade' and 'Mountain Jade' are dyed quartzite or dolomite marble. Aventurine and chrysoprase get confused with apple-green jadeite. None of these are wrong to use in jewelry, but they're not jade and shouldn't be sold as such.
What kinds of projects suit jade beads best?

Jade's Mohs 6–7 hardness and exceptional toughness (especially nephrite, with its felted fiber structure) make it one of the more wear-resistant materials in the bead trade. It handles bracelets, necklaces, and earrings without chipping at the drill holes, and the 6mm/8mm/10mm rounds Dakota stocks most heavily are workhorse sizes for mala-style strands, knotted necklaces, and stacking bracelets. Faceted rounds and microfaceted rounds add sparkle for layered designs. Jade pairs cleanly with gold-fill, sterling, freshwater pearl, and other natural greens — and the muted nephrite tones work well alongside lapis, carnelian, and onyx for Asian-influenced designs.
How should finished jade jewelry be cared for?

Untreated nephrite and jadeite are durable enough for daily wear. Clean with mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth; rinse and dry thoroughly. Ultrasonic and steam cleaning are generally safe for untreated material but should be avoided for Type B (polymer-impregnated) jadeite and for any dyed jade, since solvents, heat, and prolonged UV exposure can fade color or break down resin. Keep jade away from harsh household chemicals, chlorinated water, and perfume sprayed directly onto the piece. Store separately from harder stones like topaz, sapphire, or quartz to prevent surface scratches over time.