Jade has been known and treasured for more than 7,000 years. But only in 1863 was it discovered that jade is actually not a single mineral. What was traditionally called jade is in fact two separate and distinct minerals: jadeite and nephrite.
Nephrite is the more common form of jade. Nephrite ranges in color from mid- to dark-green or grey-green, but it can also be white, yellowish or reddish. Nephrite is slightly softer than jadeite; nephrite is 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale, while jadeite is 6.5-7. They have quite different chemical compositions as well; nephrite is a calcium magnesium iron silicate while jadeite is a sodium aluminum silicate. The two minerals also have different densities. Jadeite has a density of 3.30-3.38 while nephrite is less dense at 2.90-3.03.
Certified Customer Reviews
Overall Rating -> 10
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I fell in love with my beautiful blue turquoise stone. When I received the stone it is more beautiful than the picture showed. I can hardly wait to design my pendant!)
I was looking for a gemstone called Sphene/Titanite and found it on GemSelect. They had many gems to choose from and had good prices. I received my order a little later than expected but given that it's coming from overseas I wasn't too worried. The 2 gems I received are beautiful. I have to say that I have no gem knowledge- I am a novice and I ordered the Sphene for healing purposes, so I am hoping they are real. I have no way of confirming if that is true. But they are beautiful!
I have ordered many many gems over the years from them and I am always VERY happy!! And if I wasn't they do accept returns which is a great peace of mind.
