The difference between nephrite and jadeite

There are two kinds of jade; jadeite (also known as jadeite) and nephrite. Nephrite is more common, but both are tough, fine-grained rocks suitable for engraving. Jadeite is composed of pyroxene crystals with interlocking particle structure, which is available in a variety of colors, including green, light purple, white, pink, brown, red, blue, black, orange and yellow. The most precious emperor jade, represented by the presence of chrome, is rich in dark green. After polishing jadeite, it usually has a dimple-like appearance.

The characteristics of jadeite:

Composition: sodium silicate aluminum

Hardness: 7

Specific gravity: 3.33

Refractive index: 1.66-1.68

Birefringence: 0.012 Origin: Jadeite is produced in metamorphic rocks and is produced as alluvial pebbles and boulders. The brown surface is formed by weathering and is often incorporated into the engraving and finished products. The most important source of jade is in Myanmar, which has been providing carving materials to Central American Indians for more than 200 years. There are also jadeites in California in Japan and the United States.

The characteristics of nephrite:

Ingredients: Calcium Magnesium Silicate

Hardness: 6.5

Proportion: 2.96

Refractive index: 1.61-1.63

Birefringence: 0.027

Origin: The history of Chinese engraving nephrite has been more than 2,000 years. The materials were imported from Central Asia and then imported from Myanmar. Others include Siberia (dark green with black spots), Russia (Bocais) and China. Nephrite is also distributed in various rocks in the North Island and South Island of New Zealand. There are also Australia (black nephrite), the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Taiwan, Zimbabwe (dark green), Italy, Poland, Germany and Switzerland.

Nephrite is confirmed to be another jade, which is a fibrous amphibole crystal aggregate. The interlocking structure of steel is considered to be the finest engraving material, originally used as a weapon and later used as a jewelry. The color varies from iron-rich dark green nephrite to magnesium-rich creamy color, which may be homogenous, speckled or striped.