Two mineral families

Jadeite is a pyroxene; nephrite is an amphibole aggregate composed mainly of tremolite–actinolite. Both are aggregates rather than the single transparent crystals familiar from many faceted gems. Their interlocking structures contribute to toughness, but their measured hardness and characteristic appearances differ.

Olmec jadeite pendant, The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Open Access object image, The Metropolitan Museum of Art; public domain.

Looking without forcing a verdict

Jadeite often offers brighter greens, lavender and stronger color contrast; nephrite commonly presents cream, white and quieter greens. These are tendencies, not a home identification test. Polish, thickness, lighting and associated minerals can blur visual expectations.

Polished Olmec jadeite celt-pendant, The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Open Access object image, The Metropolitan Museum of Art; public domain.

History needs careful wording

Smithsonian scholarship notes that true jades from ancient Chinese archaeological sites are nephrite. Jadeite entered Chinese material culture much later. That distinction keeps modern admiration from being projected backward onto objects made from a different jade.

Emerald-green jadeite pendant from Qing-dynasty China, The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Open Access object image, The Metropolitan Museum of Art; public domain.

Research basis

Independently written from public information supplied by GIA, Smithsonian and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. GIA · Smithsonian · The Met