Crystal Light Jade

Chemical Formula

Nephrite: Ca₂(Mg,Fe)₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂
Jadeite: NaAlSi₂O₆

Color

White, Blue, Red, Green, Yellow, Orange, Brown, Pink, Purple, Gray, Black, Banded, Multicolored

Hardness

6 - 7

Crystal System

Monoclinic

Refractive Index

1.60 - 1.67

SG

2.9 - 3.7

Transparency

Translucent to opaque

Double Refraction

-0.027 (Nephrite); 0.013 (Jadeite)

Luster

Waxy, vitreous

Cleavage

1 or 2,2 - prismatic. Due to lack of visible crystals, cleavage is rarely observed.

Mineral Class

Jadeite or Nephrite (Nephrite can be either Actinolite or Tremolite)