Comparison · Minerals vs Silicate Minerals
Jade vs Prehnite
Jade and Prehnite are easy to confuse. Prehnite is harder (Mohs 6.25) than Jade (Mohs 5), so Prehnite 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 Prehnite
- Prehnite is harder (Mohs 6.25) than Jade (Mohs 5), so Prehnite 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, Prehnite leaves white.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Jade is opaque, Prehnite is translucent.
Jade vs Prehnite properties
| Property | Jade | Prehnite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Silicate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 5 | 6.25 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White to light-colored | White |
| Transparency | opaque | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.7 | 2.88 |
| Crystal system | varies | orthorhombic |
| Common colors | Various | Green, Yellow-green, Yellow, White, Gray |
| Rarity | common | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $10–$400+ |
Which is more valuable?
Prehnite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $70 against $20 for Jade, and premium Prehnite can reach $400 or more.
About Jade
Jade is ornamental stone.
About Prehnite
Prehnite is a calcium aluminum silicate best known for its soft green to yellow-green color and rounded, botryoidal crystal aggregates. It commonly lines cavities in basalt and is valued by collectors and lapidaries for its translucent glow.
Jade vs Prehnite FAQ
Is Jade the same as Prehnite?
No. Jade is a mineral while Prehnite is a silicate mineral. Prehnite is harder (Mohs 6.25) than Jade (Mohs 5), so Prehnite 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 Prehnite?
Prehnite is harder (Mohs 6.25) than Jade (Mohs 5), so Prehnite 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, Prehnite leaves white. Hold a thin edge to the light: Jade is opaque, Prehnite is translucent.
Which is harder, Jade or Prehnite?
Prehnite is harder: Mohs 6.25 against Mohs 5 for Jade.
Which is more valuable, Jade or Prehnite?
Prehnite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $70 against $20 for Jade, and premium Prehnite can reach $400 or more.
