Comparison · Precious Stones vs Silicate Minerals
Emerald vs Jadeite
Emerald and Jadeite are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 7.5, 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 Emerald and Jadeite
- Both sit near Mohs 7.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Jadeite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.3 versus 2.76 for Emerald).
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Emerald is transparent, Jadeite is translucent.
- They overlap in green and yellow, but Jadeite also comes in white, purple, and black.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Emerald is hexagonal, Jadeite is monoclinic.
Emerald vs Jadeite properties
| Property | Emerald | Jadeite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Precious Stones | Silicate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 7.5 | 6.75 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | transparent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.76 | 3.3 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal | monoclinic |
| Common colors | Green, Bluish Green, Yellowish Green | Green, White, Lavender, Yellow, Black |
| Rarity | legendary | rare |
| Typical specimen value | $500–$50000+ | $20–$15000+ |
Which is more valuable?
Emerald is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $3000 against $600 for Jadeite, and premium Emerald can reach $50000 or more.
About Emerald
Emerald is a green variety of beryl, colored by trace amounts of chromium and vanadium. It's one of the four precious gemstones.
About Jadeite
Jadeite is a sodium aluminum pyroxene and one of the two minerals known as jade. As a tough, interlocking aggregate it ranges from white to vivid emerald green, and the finest translucent green material is the most prized form of jade.
Emerald vs Jadeite FAQ
Is Emerald the same as Jadeite?
No. Emerald is a precious stone while Jadeite is a silicate mineral. Both sit near Mohs 7.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Emerald from Jadeite?
Both sit near Mohs 7.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Jadeite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.3 versus 2.76 for Emerald). Hold a thin edge to the light: Emerald is transparent, Jadeite is translucent.
Which is harder, Emerald or Jadeite?
Emerald is harder: Mohs 7.5 against Mohs 6.75 for Jadeite.
Which is more valuable, Emerald or Jadeite?
Emerald is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $3000 against $600 for Jadeite, and premium Emerald can reach $50000 or more.
