Jade, Serpentine, and Aventurine
There are a lot of questions regarding these stones. Rightfully so, there is much confusion due to different names used in marketing and misrepresentations and misunderstandings about the stones. To begin with and hopefully not add too much to the confusion, there are two types of jade. I learned this while examining some artisan jewelry at a 5 star New York hotels. Nephrite and jadeite, for centuries jadeite and nephrite were thought to be the same stones. With more modern techniques of examination the differences between the two stones were identified. Thus splitting the stones into these two categories. Both stones are available in a bunch of similar colors from off or grayish whites to grey greens to greens, browns and red browns. Jadeite jade is also found in emerald green or imperial jade and pale purples. These last two colors considered most desirable and the most expensive types of jade. In general the stronger and richer colors of these stones are found in jadeite form of the stone and creamier tones of the stone in the nephrite form of the stone. Only jadite is found in precious gem stone quality.Telling the difference between the two stones can be difficult. Jadeite is a bit harder than nephrite. This cannot be easily determined, looking or touching do not help. A gemstone-testing device can be useful, however if this is not available for you to use, knowing the stones origin can be a clue. Jadeite has been found in Burma, Canada, China, Japan, Guatemala, Kazakhstan, Siberia and the United States. Nephrite has been found in Australia, China, Brazil, Canada, Zimbabwe, Alaska and Poland. The confusion between these stones will continue to exist as new marketing names are invented. My advice when buying jade, gain as much knowledge as you can, work with a trusted dealer and don’t pay more than you feel the stones are worth to you.