Nephrite Jade & Jadeite Jade: Essential Knowledge for Jade Beginners

Starting your journey with jade is such an exciting step! Jade comes in two beautiful varieties: Nephrite and Jadeite. Each has its own unique charm, energy, and story to tell. Let’s dive into their differences, properties, and the special benefits they offer!

🟢 Nephrite Jade – “The Soft Jade”

Composition & Hardness

Nephrite is a form of actinolite, rich in magnesium and calcium.

Hardness: 6 – 6.5 on the Mohs scale → softer than Jadeite.

However, Nephrite is still durable enough for everyday wear. Its relative softness also makes it easier to carve, allowing for more intricate designs in jewelry and decorative items.

Color & Origins

Commonly found in green, with tones ranging by location:

Canadian Nephrite: dark green

Chinese Nephrite: brown, yellow, gray, green, or black

Other sources: New Zealand, Russia, Switzerland, Myanmar, the U.S., and Brazil.

Canada and China produce the most valued Nephrite.

Cultural Significance

Known as “Heaven’s Jade” or “Buddha’s Jade” in East Asia.

It was revered in ancient East Asia as a symbol of luck, prosperity, and spiritual strength.

Monks and nuns believed jade enhanced meditation and connected them to higher energies.

Benefits & Uses

🌿 Beauty & Health: Stimulates circulation, detoxifies, and boosts vitality.

🌿 Energizes Mind & Body: Enhances intelligence attracts fortune.

🌿 Spiritual Protection: Wards of negativity promote positive energy.

🌿 Legacy & Afterlife: Used in royal burials for soul guidance and family prosperity.

Special Qualities

High durability, elegant natural colour, and strong Feng Shui energy.

🟢 Jadeite Jade – “The Hard Jade”

Uniqueness

It is known for greater hardness, more variety, and higher value than Nephrite.

Over 30 types, including 19+ premium Imperial Jades.

Quality categories

✨ Type A: Natural, untreated jade.

✨ Type B: Heat-treated or lightly coated, but natural structure preserved.

✨ Type C: Dyed and heavily treated, may lack beneficial energy.

At Mountain Jade, we take pride in offering only the highest quality Type A Jade — 100% natural and untreated. We ensure every piece is authentic, untouched, and energetically potent — just as nature intended.

Origins & Value

Best-quality Jadeite comes from Myanmar (Burmese Jade).

Other sources: Japan, Russia, Guatemala, the U.S.

Energy & Benefits

🌿 Boosts willpower, health, emotional balance.

🌿 Supports personal transformation and protection.

🌿 Ideal for dreamers and achievers seeking growth.

🌿 Suitable for everyone—connect with the stone’s energy for the best match.

 

💚 Nephrite or Jadeite – Which is for You?

Nephrite Jade: Healing, nurturing, spiritual connection.

Jadeite Jade: Willpower, vitality, transformation.

Both types of jade carry protective and positive energy, so choose based on your needs and the energy connection you feel. Whether you seek calmness and healing or strength and ambition, there’s a jade for you.

At Mountain Jade, we offer both types of jade: Nephrite and Jadeite. Our raw Nephrite Jade is sourced from British Columbia, Canada, and China, while our Jadeite jade primarily comes from Myanmar. We work closely with our trusted factories and suppliers, hand-picking each stone in small batches to ensure authenticity, ethical sourcing, and that every item is made from 100% natural Type A jade.

Feel free to browse our website to explore more of our jade collections!