Comparison · Minerals vs Silicate Minerals
Jade vs Jadeite
Jade and Jadeite are easy to confuse. Jadeite is harder (Mohs 6.75) than Jade (Mohs 5), so Jadeite will scratch Jade and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Jade and Jadeite
- Jadeite is harder (Mohs 6.75) than Jade (Mohs 5), so Jadeite will scratch Jade and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not.
- Streak color differs: Jade leaves a white to light-colored streak on unglazed porcelain, Jadeite leaves white.
- Jadeite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.3 versus 2.7 for Jade).
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Jade is opaque, Jadeite is translucent.
Jade vs Jadeite properties
| Property | Jade | Jadeite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Silicate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 5 | 6.75 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White to light-colored | White |
| Transparency | opaque | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.7 | 3.3 |
| Crystal system | varies | monoclinic |
| Common colors | Various | Green, White, Lavender, Yellow, Black |
| Rarity | common | rare |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $20–$15000+ |
Which is more valuable?
Jadeite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $600 against $20 for Jade, and premium Jadeite can reach $15000 or more.
About Jade
Jade is ornamental stone.
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.
Jade vs Jadeite FAQ
Is Jade the same as Jadeite?
No. Jade is a mineral while Jadeite is a silicate mineral. Jadeite is harder (Mohs 6.75) than Jade (Mohs 5), so Jadeite will scratch Jade and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not.
How can you tell Jade from Jadeite?
Jadeite is harder (Mohs 6.75) than Jade (Mohs 5), so Jadeite will scratch Jade and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not. Streak color differs: Jade leaves a white to light-colored streak on unglazed porcelain, Jadeite leaves white. Jadeite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 3.3 versus 2.7 for Jade).
Which is harder, Jade or Jadeite?
Jadeite is harder: Mohs 6.75 against Mohs 5 for Jade.
Which is more valuable, Jade or Jadeite?
Jadeite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $600 against $20 for Jade, and premium Jadeite can reach $15000 or more.
