Comparison · Minerals
Actinolite vs Jade
Actinolite and Jade are easy to confuse because both are minerals. Both sit near Mohs 5–6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Actinolite and Jade
- Both sit near Mohs 5–6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Streak color differs: Actinolite leaves a white streak on unglazed porcelain, Jade leaves white to light-colored.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Actinolite is Translucent to opaque, Jade is opaque.
Actinolite vs Jade properties
| Property | Actinolite | Jade |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 5–6 | 5 |
| Luster | Vitreous to silky | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White to light-colored |
| Transparency | Translucent to opaque | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 3.0–3.2 | 2.7 |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic | varies |
| Common colors | Green, Dark green, Grayish green, Black | Various |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $2–$150+ |
Which is more valuable?
Typical specimens of Actinolite and Jade trade in a similar range, around $20.
About Actinolite
Actinolite is a calcium-magnesium-iron amphibole with the formula Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2, part of the tremolite-actinolite-ferro-actinolite solid solution series. Its green color comes directly from iron substituting for magnesium within the crystal structure, and it typically grows as elongated, bladed to fibrous crystals. The mineral is best known to rockhounds as a key component of nephrite jade.
About Jade
Jade is ornamental stone.
Actinolite vs Jade FAQ
Is Actinolite the same as Jade?
No. Both are minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 5–6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Actinolite from Jade?
Both sit near Mohs 5–6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Streak color differs: Actinolite leaves a white streak on unglazed porcelain, Jade leaves white to light-colored. Hold a thin edge to the light: Actinolite is Translucent to opaque, Jade is opaque.
Which is harder, Actinolite or Jade?
Actinolite is harder: Mohs 5–6 against Mohs 5 for Jade.
Which is more valuable, Actinolite or Jade?
Typical specimens of Actinolite and Jade trade in a similar range, around $20.
