The facts
What nephrite actually is
Mineralogically, nephrite is tremolite–actinolite amphibole — Ca₂(Mg,Fe)₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂, crystallising in the monoclinic system.
The colour is caused by iron. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.600–1.641, and the specific gravity sits near 2.90–3.03; cleavage is none (the toughest common gem material).
Where nephrite comes from
The recognised sources are British Columbia, Canada, Xinjiang and Qinghai, China, Siberia, Russia and New Zealand (pounamu).
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How nephrite is treated
Dyeing and waxing exist.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What nephrite is confused with
The usual confusions are Jadeite, Serpentine and Bowenite.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.600–1.641 and specific gravity 2.90–3.03 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What nephrite is used for
Nephrite is bought by carving and sculpture, jewellery, decorative objects and wellness and body care — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the block, by the carat or by the piece.
Durability and care
Hardness 6–6.5; cleavage none (the toughest common gem material). That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What nephrite costs
Indicative pricing for nephrite is $1–500/ct.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is nephrite treated, and how?
Dyeing and waxing exist.
Where does nephrite come from?
British Columbia, Canada, Xinjiang and Qinghai, China, Siberia, Russia and New Zealand (pounamu). Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is nephrite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does nephrite cost?
Indicatively $1–500/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is nephrite confused with?
Most often Jadeite, Serpentine and Bowenite. A refractive index of 1.600–1.641 and a specific gravity near 2.90–3.03 separate it quickly.
What is nephrite used for besides jewellery?
carving and sculpture, decorative objects and wellness and body care. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for nephrite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about nephrite