Jadeite and jade are two different concepts, and although they are often compared to each other, there are distinct differences between them. Accurately understanding and differentiating the concepts of jadeite and jade is of great significance for purchasing and identifying jade products. This article will detail the difference between jadeite and jade to help readers better understand the relationship and differences between the two.
First of all, let's be clear about what jadeite is. Jadeite is a jadeite rock composed primarily of jadeite or pyroxene-like minerals with a distinctive green and red hue and often exhibits a vitreous or subvitreous luster. The origin of jadeite is mainly distributed in China, Myanmar, Guatemala, the United States, Russia and other places, among which Myanmar jadeite is the most famous.
Jade, on the other hand, is a broader concept that encompasses all kinds of nephrite, including jadeite. Nephrite is a mineral assemblage of tremolite and actinolite, typically with a soft white or pale green hue. Nephrite jade is found all over the world, including China, Russia, Canada, New Zealand, and more.
Conceptually, the difference between jadeite and jade is mainly manifested in the following aspects:
1.Mineral composition: Jadeite is mainly composed of jadeite or pyroxene-type minerals, while nephrite is made up of minerals such as tremolite and actinolite.
2.Hardness: The hardness of jadeite is relatively high, generally in 65-7.5, while nephrite has a relatively low hardness, generally between 6-6between 5.
3.Luster: Jadeite typically exhibits a vitreous or sub-vitreous sheen, while nephrite exhibits a soft grease or waxy sheen.
4.Color: The colors of jadeite are rich, common are green, white, black, red, etc., while the color of nephrite is mainly white and light green.
5.Value: Jadeite is often worth a lot due to its scarcity and difficulty in mining. Nephrite, on the other hand, is relatively abundant and of relatively low value.
To sum up, jadeite and jade are two different concepts, and they have distinct differences in terms of mineral composition, hardness, luster, color, and value. Accurately distinguishing between jadeite and jade concepts can help us better understand and identify various jade products, so that we can make more informed choices when purchasing. Whether collecting or wearing, understanding the difference between jadeite and jade can help us better appreciate and utilize the beauty of jade.