Comparison · Minerals vs Silicate Minerals
Jade vs Serpentine
Jade and Serpentine are easy to confuse. Jade is harder (Mohs 5) than Serpentine (Mohs 3.5), so Jade will scratch Serpentine 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 Serpentine
- Jade is harder (Mohs 5) than Serpentine (Mohs 3.5), so Jade will scratch Serpentine 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, Serpentine leaves white.
- Luster is different: Jade is vitreous while Serpentine is greasy.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Jade is opaque, Serpentine is translucent.
Jade vs Serpentine properties
| Property | Jade | Serpentine |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Silicate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 5 | 3.5 |
| Luster | vitreous | greasy |
| Streak | White to light-colored | White |
| Transparency | opaque | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.7 | 2.6 |
| Crystal system | varies | monoclinic |
| Common colors | Various | Green, Yellowish green, Olive, Black, White |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $5–$250+ |
Which is more valuable?
Serpentine is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $40 against $20 for Jade, and premium Serpentine can reach $250 or more.
About Jade
Jade is ornamental stone.
About Serpentine
Serpentine is a group of green, magnesium-rich silicate minerals that includes antigorite, lizardite, and chrysotile. It commonly occurs as massive, greasy-feeling rock in mottled green tones and is the main component of the rock serpentinite.
Jade vs Serpentine FAQ
Is Jade the same as Serpentine?
No. Jade is a mineral while Serpentine is a silicate mineral. Jade is harder (Mohs 5) than Serpentine (Mohs 3.5), so Jade will scratch Serpentine 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 Serpentine?
Jade is harder (Mohs 5) than Serpentine (Mohs 3.5), so Jade will scratch Serpentine 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, Serpentine leaves white. Luster is different: Jade is vitreous while Serpentine is greasy.
Which is harder, Jade or Serpentine?
Jade is harder: Mohs 5 against Mohs 3.5 for Serpentine.
Which is more valuable, Jade or Serpentine?
Serpentine is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $40 against $20 for Jade, and premium Serpentine can reach $250 or more.
