# Jade Guide: Jadeite vs Nephrite, Colours, Real vs Fake & Care **By Cristian Maxim** ยท 2026-07-03 Quick answer "Jade" is really **two different stones: jadeite and nephrite**. Both are genuine jade, prized for their colours (especially green) and for being incredibly **tough**. Jadeite is rarer and slightly harder; nephrite is more common and famously hard to break. The thing to watch for is treatment and imitation: only **"Type A" jadeite is fully natural**, while dyed quartz, serpentine ("new jade") and glass are often sold as jade. Always buy from a seller who states the type and any treatment. On this page - [What is jade?](#what-is-jade) - [Jadeite vs nephrite](#jadeite-nephrite) - [Colours of jade](#colours) - [Type A, B and C: jade grades](#grades) - [Real jade vs imitations](#real-vs) - [Durability, care and water](#jade-care) - [Frequently asked questions](#faq) Jade has been carved and treasured for thousands of years, from ancient China to Mesoamerica, yet it is one of the most misunderstood stones on the market today. Part of the reason is that "jade" is not one mineral but two, and part is that a lot of what is sold as jade is dyed, treated or not jade at all. This guide explains what jade really is, the difference between jadeite and nephrite, its colours, the all-important A/B/C grading, how to spot imitations, and how to care for a genuine piece. ## What is jade? Jade at a glance Two minerals: Jadeite + Nephrite Jadeite: Pyroxene, Mohs 6.5-7 Nephrite: Amphibole, Mohs 6-6.5 Famous for: Exceptional toughness Colour: Green, lavender, white, black Water-safe: Yes, for natural jade crystalshealing.co.uk Jade is the name shared by two separate minerals that look similar and were used in the same ways for centuries: **jadeite** and **nephrite**. They were only told apart by science in 1863. Both are genuine "jade," and both are remarkable for one property above all: **toughness**. Jade is not the hardest stone, but its tightly interlocking crystals make it extraordinarily resistant to breaking, which is why ancient cultures shaped it into axes, tools and weapons long before they made it into jewellery. The name "jade" comes from the Spanish _piedra de ijada_, and nephrite from the Greek _nephros_, both old references to a folk belief from centuries ago. Today jade is valued simply as a beautiful, exceptionally durable natural stone for jewellery, carving and decoration. ## Jadeite vs nephrite Jadeite vs nephrite Jadeite Nephrite Pyroxene mineralAmphibole mineral Mohs 6.5-7Mohs 6-6.5 Rarer, denserMore common, very tough "Imperial" emerald greenSpinach green, creamy white Generally more valuableClassic carving jade crystalshealing.co.uk **Jadeite** is a pyroxene mineral, rarer, slightly harder (6.5-7) and denser. It produces the most prized jade of all: vivid, translucent emerald green known as "imperial jade," mostly from Myanmar. Jadeite also comes in lavender, white, yellow, orange, red and black. **Nephrite** is an amphibole, more common and slightly softer (6-6.5), but with an even tougher, more fibrous structure. It gives the classic spinach greens and the creamy "mutton-fat" white that has been carved in China for thousands of years. Most antique Chinese jade is nephrite. Both are true jade. In simple terms, jadeite tends to be the brighter, rarer, pricier stone, while nephrite is the tougher, more traditional carving material. If you would like to style green jade with other stones, see our guide to [green gemstone jewellery](/blogs/crystals-tips/how-to-style-green-gemstone-jewellery). ## Colours of jade Jade colours Green Lavender White Yellow Black Imperial emerald green is the most prized crystalshealing.co.uk Most people picture jade as green, but it spans a wide palette: - **Green**, from vivid imperial emerald (jadeite) to deep spinach and olive (nephrite); the most famous and most valued. - **Lavender to purple**, a soft, sought-after jadeite colour. - **White and "mutton-fat"**, creamy and prized in nephrite. - **Yellow, orange and red**, warm jadeite tones. - **Grey and black**, understated and elegant. Explore the range in our [jade collection](/collections/jade-crystals). ## Type A, B and C: jade grades and treatment This is the single most useful thing to know before buying jadeite. The trade grades it by how much it has been treated, and the grade makes a huge difference to value and durability: - **Type A**, natural and untreated (only surface waxing). This is "real," fully natural jade and the only type that holds its value. - **Type B**, bleached with acid then impregnated with polymer resin to improve colour and translucency. Still jadeite, but altered, and the resin can yellow or break down over time. - **Type C**, dyed to add or deepen colour. The dye can fade and often pools in cracks. - **Type B+C**, bleached, resin-impregnated and dyed, the most heavily treated. None of these are illegal, and treated jade is fine to own when it is sold honestly at the right price. The problem is only when Type B or C is passed off, and priced, as natural Type A. Always ask which type you are buying. ## Real jade vs imitations Beyond treated jade, a lot of stones are sold as jade that are not jade at all. The common ones: - **"Malaysia jade"**, usually dyed quartz, not jade. - **"New jade" or "Korean jade"**, normally serpentine, a softer, different stone. - **Dyed aventurine or quartzite**, sold as green jade. - **Glass and plastic**, often given away by air bubbles, a mould seam, or feeling warm and light. A few quick checks help: real jade feels cool and is slow to warm in the hand, it is dense and surprisingly heavy, and tapped pieces of nephrite give a clear, ringing chime rather than a dull click. Dyed stones often show colour concentrated in cracks. For more, see our guide on [how to tell if your crystals are real](/blogs/crystals-tips/are-my-crystals-real-7-simple-checks-to-spot-fakes). For real certainty on an expensive piece, a gemmological lab can confirm the type. ## Durability, care and water Natural jade is one of the tougher stones you can wear. At 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale it resists everyday wear well, and its interlocking structure makes it very hard to chip or crack, which is why it suits rings, bangles and carvings, as you can see in our guide to the [most durable gemstones for everyday wear](/blogs/crystals-tips/the-most-durable-gemstones-for-everyday-wear). Natural jade is also water-safe for a gentle clean. Care depends on the type. For natural Type A jade, clean with mild soap and warm water and a soft cloth, then dry it. For treated jade (Type B or C), be more careful: avoid heat, harsh chemicals, perfume and ultrasonic cleaners, which can damage the resin or fade the dye. Store jade away from harder stones to protect its polish. A popular everyday use is the jade [face roller](/products/jade-roller), a smooth natural-stone skincare tool, which just needs wiping clean and keeping dry. See our [water-safe crystals guide](/blogs/crystals-tips/water-safe-crystals-what-can-go-in-water-and-what-to-avoid) and [how to store crystals](/blogs/crystals-tips/how-to-store-crystals). Shop genuine jade Real natural stone, clearly described and packed with care. [Jade Collection](/collections/jade-crystals) [Crystal Bracelets](/collections/crystal-bracelets) [Skincare Tools](/collections/skin-care) [Crystal Gifts](/collections/crystal-gifts) _Sold as decorative jewellery, gifts and natural stone specimens. We make no medical or therapeutic claims. [Read our full disclaimer](/pages/disclaimer)._ ## Frequently asked questions What is the difference between jadeite and nephrite? They are two different minerals both called jade. Jadeite is rarer, slightly harder and gives "imperial" green; nephrite is more common, slightly softer and even tougher, and is the classic Chinese carving jade. What does Type A jade mean? Type A is natural, untreated jadeite (only waxed). Type B is bleached and resin-impregnated, and Type C is dyed. Only Type A holds its value as natural jade. Is "new jade" real jade? No. "New jade" and "Korean jade" are usually serpentine, a softer, different stone. "Malaysia jade" is normally dyed quartz. Neither is true jade. Can jade go in water? Natural jade is water-safe for a gentle clean with mild soap. Avoid soaking, heat and ultrasonic cleaners for treated (Type B or C) jade, which can be damaged. How can I tell if jade is real? Real jade feels cool, dense and heavy, is hard to scratch, and nephrite gives a clear chime when tapped. Air bubbles, a warm light feel, or dye pooled in cracks point to glass or an imitation. ### Related reading - [How to style green gemstone jewellery](/blogs/crystals-tips/how-to-style-green-gemstone-jewellery) - [Are my crystals real? 7 simple checks](/blogs/crystals-tips/are-my-crystals-real-7-simple-checks-to-spot-fakes) - [The most durable gemstones for everyday wear](/blogs/crystals-tips/the-most-durable-gemstones-for-everyday-wear) - [Water-safe crystals guide](/blogs/crystals-tips/water-safe-crystals-what-can-go-in-water-and-what-to-avoid) - [How to store crystals](/blogs/crystals-tips/how-to-store-crystals) --- > Source: [Crystals Healing UK](https://crystalshealing.co.uk/blogs/crystals-tips/jade-guide-jadeite-vs-nephrite-colours-real-vs-fake-uk)