Comparison · Silicate Minerals
Jadeite vs Prehnite
Jadeite and Prehnite are easy to confuse because both are silicate minerals. Both sit near Mohs 6.75, 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 Jadeite and Prehnite
- Both sit near Mohs 6.75, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- They overlap in green, white, and yellow, but Jadeite also comes in purple and black and Prehnite also comes in gray.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Jadeite is monoclinic, Prehnite is orthorhombic.
Jadeite vs Prehnite properties
| Property | Jadeite | Prehnite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Silicate Minerals | Silicate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 6.75 | 6.25 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | translucent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 3.3 | 2.88 |
| Crystal system | monoclinic | orthorhombic |
| Common colors | Green, White, Lavender, Yellow, Black | Green, Yellow-green, Yellow, White, Gray |
| Rarity | rare | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $20–$15000+ | $10–$400+ |
Which is more valuable?
Jadeite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $600 against $70 for Prehnite, and premium Jadeite can reach $15000 or more.
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.
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.
Jadeite vs Prehnite FAQ
Is Jadeite the same as Prehnite?
No. Both are silicate minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 6.75, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Jadeite from Prehnite?
Both sit near Mohs 6.75, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. They overlap in green, white, and yellow, but Jadeite also comes in purple and black and Prehnite also comes in gray. Well-formed crystals give it away: Jadeite is monoclinic, Prehnite is orthorhombic.
Which is harder, Jadeite or Prehnite?
Jadeite is harder: Mohs 6.75 against Mohs 6.25 for Prehnite.
Which is more valuable, Jadeite or Prehnite?
Jadeite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $600 against $70 for Prehnite, and premium Jadeite can reach $15000 or more.
