What's the difference between nephrite and jadeite?

Both are sold as jade but are mineralogically distinct. Nephrite is a calcium-magnesium-iron silicate in the amphibole group, typically more fibrous and slightly softer (Mohs ~6–6.5). Jadeite is a sodium-aluminum silicate in the pyroxene group, denser, harder (Mohs ~6.5–7), and the tougher of the two thanks to its interlocking crystal structure. Jadeite produces the vivid emerald-green 'Imperial' material and the lavender colors; nephrite tends toward spinach-green, cream, and the classic Hetian whites. Ask before buying if a strand isn't specified.

Is the jade in this collection treated or dyed?

Treatment varies by strand. The jade trade recognizes Type A (untreated, natural color), Type B (bleached and polymer-impregnated to improve translucency), and Type C (dyed). Dakota stocks a mix including natural nephrite, natural jadeite, and dyed material across multiple colors. If treatment status is critical for your design or disclosure to a client, ask before buying.

Are 'New Jade,' 'Serpentine Jade,' and 'African Jade' real jade?

No. These are trade names for other minerals. New Jade and Serpentine Jade are serpentine (Mohs ~3–5). African Jade is usually a green grossular garnet (Transvaal jade) or a dyed quartzite depending on the source. They share color or appearance with true jade but are softer and chemically unrelated. True jade is either nephrite or jadeite — anything else is a substitute regardless of how the strand is labeled.

How durable is jade for everyday jewelry?

Both jades sit at Mohs 6–7 and are exceptionally tough due to their fibrous (nephrite) or interlocking granular (jadeite) structure — jade is more break-resistant than its hardness number suggests, which is why it's been carved for millennia. Clean with mild soap and a soft cloth. Ultrasonic and steam cleaning are generally safe for untreated material but should be avoided on Type B polymer-impregnated jadeite, since heat and vibration can damage the resin.

What sizes and cuts of jade does Dakota stock?

Round beads dominate the collection, with faceted rounds, microfaceted rounds, rondelles, chips, pebble and nugget shapes, cubes, and hexagons also in stock. Sizes run primarily 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, and 12mm rounds, with smaller 2x4mm and 3mm options and irregular nugget runs around 8x10–9x13mm. The 8mm and 6mm rounds are the deepest-stocked sizes.

Jade Gemstone Beads

Jade, primarily found in shades of green but also in whites, browns, and violets, is a gemstone that has been revered for its toughness and beauty. Composed of either nephrite or jadeite, Jade is known for its dense, interlocking crystal structures that lend it an exquisite smoothness post-polishing, making it ideal for bead creation.

Facts: Jade holds a storied place in history, particularly in East Asian art and culture, where it has been used both ornamentally and symbolically for millennia. Often associated with royalty and virtue, Jade artifacts are found in historical dig sites and have been used in ceremonial rites, demonstrating its cultural importance and the high esteem in which it was held.

Metaphysical / Holistic: Jade is believed to promote wisdom, balance, and peace. It is said to enhance emotional healing, grounding the wearer and connecting them to the earth's energies.

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About this stone

Color

GreenWhiteLavenderYellowBlackRed-Brown

Origin

ChinaBurma/MyanmarGuatemalaCanada (British Columbia)New ZealandRussia

Mohs hardness

6–7

Treatment categories

NaturalDyedBleached and Polymer-Impregnated (Type B)

Industry-standard treatment

Untreated (Type A) jadeite and natural nephrite are the standard for collector-grade material. Type B (bleached + polymer) and Type C (dyed) jadeite are common in the broader market and require disclosure.

Mineral chemistry

Two distinct minerals share the trade name: nephrite (calcium magnesium iron silicate, Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2) and jadeite (sodium aluminum silicate, NaAlSi2O6)

Crystal system

Monoclinic (both nephrite and jadeite)

Stone family

Jade

Common cuts

RoundRondelleFaceted RoundCoinDonutCabochon

Common sizes

4mm6mm8mm10mm12mm

Care notes

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.

Related stones

Serpentine, Aventurine, Chrysoprase, Hetian (white nephrite)

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between nephrite and jadeite?

Both are sold as jade but are mineralogically distinct. Nephrite is a calcium-magnesium-iron silicate in the amphibole group, typically more fibrous and slightly softer (Mohs ~6–6.5). Jadeite is a sodium-aluminum silicate in the pyroxene group, denser, harder (Mohs ~6.5–7), and the tougher of the two thanks to its interlocking crystal structure. Jadeite produces the vivid emerald-green 'Imperial' material and the lavender colors; nephrite tends toward spinach-green, cream, and the classic Hetian whites. Ask before buying if a strand isn't specified.
Is the jade in this collection treated or dyed?

Treatment varies by strand. The jade trade recognizes Type A (untreated, natural color), Type B (bleached and polymer-impregnated to improve translucency), and Type C (dyed). Dakota stocks a mix including natural nephrite, natural jadeite, and dyed material across multiple colors. If treatment status is critical for your design or disclosure to a client, ask before buying.
Are 'New Jade,' 'Serpentine Jade,' and 'African Jade' real jade?

No. These are trade names for other minerals. New Jade and Serpentine Jade are serpentine (Mohs ~3–5). African Jade is usually a green grossular garnet (Transvaal jade) or a dyed quartzite depending on the source. They share color or appearance with true jade but are softer and chemically unrelated. True jade is either nephrite or jadeite — anything else is a substitute regardless of how the strand is labeled.
How durable is jade for everyday jewelry?

Both jades sit at Mohs 6–7 and are exceptionally tough due to their fibrous (nephrite) or interlocking granular (jadeite) structure — jade is more break-resistant than its hardness number suggests, which is why it's been carved for millennia. Clean with mild soap and a soft cloth. Ultrasonic and steam cleaning are generally safe for untreated material but should be avoided on Type B polymer-impregnated jadeite, since heat and vibration can damage the resin.
What sizes and cuts of jade does Dakota stock?

Round beads dominate the collection, with faceted rounds, microfaceted rounds, rondelles, chips, pebble and nugget shapes, cubes, and hexagons also in stock. Sizes run primarily 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, and 12mm rounds, with smaller 2x4mm and 3mm options and irregular nugget runs around 8x10–9x13mm. The 8mm and 6mm rounds are the deepest-stocked sizes.