Minerals · common

Jade

Jade is ornamental stone.

Jade specimen reference photo: Green nephrite jade ventifact (Precambrian; Crooks Mountain, Fremont County, Wyoming, USA) 1 (15172681202)
Photo: James St. John · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

Jade properties at a glance

TypeMinerals
Mohs hardness5
Lustervitreous
StreakWhite to light-colored
FractureUneven to conchoidal
Specific gravity2.7
Transparencyopaque
Common colorsVarious
Raritycommon

How to identify Jade

  • Compare the specimen's color, luster, crystal habit, grain size, streak, and locality before confirming.
  • Use multiple photos when possible, including a fresh surface and a close view of texture.

Where Jade is found

Reported from multiple localities worldwide; verify locality against specimen provenance when available.

How much is Jade worth?

Entry-level specimen$2
Typical collector specimen$20
Premium specimen$150+

Value depends on size, crystal quality, color, locality, rarity, damage, and provenance.

Common uses

  • Collector specimens
  • Education
  • Field identification
  • Industrial or lapidary use when suitable

Interesting facts

  • Jade is useful for field identification because texture, color, luster, and context can narrow the match.
  • Specimens labeled Jade can vary by locality, weathering, impurities, and crystal or grain size.
  • A fresh surface and multiple photos usually improve identification confidence.

Care & safety

Handle as a collector specimen until hardness, cleavage, and fracture are verified.

Avoid inhaling dust. Do not cut, grind, or polish unknown specimens without eye protection and a proper respirator.

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