At first glance, Jade and Jadeite are very similar! But other than that, these two couldn’t be more different. Even though they are both Jades!
Are you wondering which one to get for yourself? Or are you just curious? Because today you’re going to learn everything you need to know about these two stones.
Keep on reading to learn the difference between Jade and Jadeite.
Also, it’s important to note that we shouldn’t get a crystal just because we think it’s pretty. We need to be in sync with them.
Otherwise, they will be mere accessories or could have a bad impact on your life.
About Jade
Jade is the name given to two different kinds of crystal minerals: Nephrite and Jadeite.
The name Jade originated from the Spanish term “piedra de ijada”, which means ‘stone of the loin/flank/side’. It is historically believed to heal physical ailments.
Nephrite Jade, gets its name origins from the Latin name “lapis nephriticus” and is mainly made up of calcium, magnesium and silicate minerals.
Whose chemical compositions and structures are responsible for the many colors it can be found it — namely white, brown and dark green.
Jade is a powerful symbol of purity, balance, wisdom, luck, prosperity, strength and longevity.
As a talisman, Jade brings with it good luck, abundance, prosperity and serves as protection from negative energy.
It is a crystal associated with the Heart Chakra and will open your heart up to your true self as well as finding love and friendship with others.
Jade has been used for centuries and first appeared and were used in Mesoamerican cultures. Later, a similar-looking stone appeared in China and was labeled, Nephrite.
Later in the 1800’s a higher quality stone appeared in Burma (Now Myanmar) that was said to be the same likeness as Nephrite Jade and was given the name Jadeite.
Hence, why today both Nephrite and Jadeite crystals and gemstones are marketed and traded under the same general name, Jade.
It is often up to you to be able to differentiate between the two.
About Jadeite
Jadeite is a rare and prized gemstone that – like diamonds – forms when metamorphic rocks and minerals are exposed to heat and pressure buried beneath the Earth’s crust.
It then surfaces when there is a shift in the Warth’s core (tectonic plates) and or erosion occurs.
In terms of mineral composition, Jadeite is made up of sodium, aluminum, silicate minerals.
Which provides it with its clarity and a more recognizable translucent green appearance.
As well as its large spectrum of beautiful, vibrant colors. For example, green, lavender, red, orange, yellow and so many more which can sometimes mix creating gorgeous patterns and veins on the stone.
Jadeite is a tough stone and is typically resistant to scratches and chips. It is also seen as a stone of purity, promoting inner harmony and facilitating spiritual growth.
The beautiful range of colors within the Jadeite range connects with different chakras, making it a versatile tool for energy alignment and meditation.
What is the difference between Jade and Jadeite?
Although they are both traded under the same name, there are some key differences and characteristics that differentiate these two different kinds of Jade.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when thinking about these two gemstones:
- Nephrite Jade undergoes a less pressurized formation process and is therefore a lot softer than Jadeite;
- Nephrite Jade can be found in and develops in more places around the world due to it occurring naturally closer and more regularly to the earth’s surface, making it more common than Jadeite;
- Color wise they are also a little different, with Jadeite having a larger variety of options;
- Nephrite Jade is usually darker than Jadeite;
- Because of it being rarer, Jadeite will usually be more expensive than Nephrite;
- Physically, emotionally and spiritually they are believed to heal different, more specific things that will be elaborated on below.
7 Differences between Jade and Jadeite
I wasn’t joking when I said that even though these two were similiar looking, they couldn’t be more different!
Let’s now dig more into the differences between Jade and Jadeite.
1) Physical Healing Qualities
Nephrite Jade comes from the Greek word “Nephros”, from which it also gets its name translated to mean “kidney”.
This is because this type of Jade is said to heal kidney related ailments (including kidney stones and UTIs). It is also said to be good for healing the female reproductive system.
But, Jadeite is said to heal and treat conditions such as high blood pressure, cramps, insomnia and post-operative healing.
2) Spiritual Healing Benefits
Nephrite is believed to promote healing and longevity. It helps promote positive, happy dreams as well as will aid with dream recollection.
It brings with it connections to ancient wisdoms while promote inner self work for protection, growth and clarity during spiritual journeys.
Jadeite is believed to promote wisdom, clarity, and intuition. But in a way that if you are lost and seeking your purpose in life then it is great for you.
They are both closely associated with and tied to the Heart Chakra. But, Jadeite is also said to be tied to many of the other chakras that offer various, wholistic, unique healing qualities.
3) Rarity and Availability
In terms of Hardness on a scale rating from 1 to 10:
- Nephrite Jade is between a 6 and 6.5;
- Jadeite comes in between 6.5 and 7.
Making Nephrite Jade a lot softer and susceptible to damage.
Additionally, Nephrite Jade is found in more countries worldwide because of how it is created making more available and therefore less valuable.
Almost 70% of Jadeite’s deposits originate from Myanmar and is therefore more sought after for its rarity and is mainly used in high end jewelry pieces.
4) Color and Translucency
Nephrite jade is usually opaque, while jadeite can be translucent or even transparent.
Nephrite Jade is typically a light green crystal, but it can also be found in other colors, such as white, yellow, brown, and black.
Jadeite is also typically green, but it can also be found in a wider range of vibrant colors, including orange, red, pink, and lavender.
5) Emotional/Energetic Healing Vibrations
Nephrite Jader emits a steady and grounding energy — that encourages stability, inner and outer peace, as well as endurance.
It brings with it calm feelings that will reduce stress, anxiety and depression. This jade will leave you feeling confident.
Jadeite radiates vibrant and invigorating energies — often used to enhance spiritual growth.
It is said to bring with it balance and harmony leaving you feeling happy, hopeful and joyous. It is also said to be good for use in fixing and deepening relationships by facilitating better communication.
Check the differences between White Jade and Green Jade.
6) Their Origins
Jade was discovered far before Jadeite and can be found in many parts of the world.
Jade can be found in China, Russia, Canada, The United States, New Zealand, Poland, India and many more places.
Whereas Jadeite is found in fewer places with most of it being exported form Myanmar, Central America, Russia, Japan and Guatemala.
Because it is found in fewer places and is more complex and difficult to mine and handle, Jadeite is considered extremely rarer than Nephrite.
7) Their Chemical Composition
As mentioned earlier, the main difference between Jade and Jadeite is in their chemical composition.
Jade is divided into two mineral varieties Nephrite and Jadeite, Nephrite is made of calcium and magnesium, while jadeite is made of sodium and aluminum.
Additionally, Nephrite has something called “amphiboles” which makes it stronger and harder.
Jadeite has a lot of sodium and aluminum which makes it shinier and more colorful. These differences are what makes them look and feel different.
Read some possible side effects of wearing Jade stone.
Should I use Jade or Jadeite?
Choosing between Jade and Jadeite can and should depend on various factors including:
- Personal preference;
- Budget;
- Purpose of the stone (emotionally, physically and spiritually) ;
- Cultural significance;
- Mineral allergies.
Remember, Jade has a calming and soothing energy, making it a great choice if you seek balance, tranquility, and inner peace.
It has a rich history of being used for spiritual practices and healing, often symbolizing wisdom and protection.
If you’re drawn to a more subdued and classic look, Jade might be the right fit for you.
On the other hand, Jadeite can align with specific energies and intentions.
It’s rarer than regular Jade and often associated with wisdom, clarity, and intuition.
If you’re looking to connect with your life’s purpose, seek insight, or explore a range of emotions, Jadeite could be more suitable.
At their core, both types of Jade are great stones for abundance and prosperity. They are both rare and extremely powerful metaphysically and will help you encourage and attain holistic healing.
So, which should you choose?
Honestly, it would be best to take the time to reflect on your situation and consider all the factors including how you feel in both of their physical preference.
Remember, sometimes the crystal you are drawn to is the one you most need. Whichever you choose, I am sure it will positively influence your life.
Before you leave, read the benefits of wearing a Jade bracelet.
Final Words
Nephrite Jade and Jadeite are two beautiful and powerful gemstones that have been used for centuries for their healing and spiritual properties.
While they are often confused with one another, we can see that there are some key differences between the two types of Jade.
Ultimately, both are treasures and can help change your life and approach to healing on a physical, emotional and spiritual level in different yet similar ways.
It is important for people to be able to differentiate between the two in order to know what they are buying and choosing.
As you encounter a gemstone labeled as “Jade” consider all the facts and information in this article. See if you can figure out whether it is Nephrite or Jadeite or now that you know there’s a difference, you could simply ask.
