Nephrite identification and geology

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• Previous: Nepheline — Feldspathoid mineral that forms instead of feldspar in silica-undersaturated igneous rocks. Important rock-forming mineral.
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• Jadeite
• Serpentine
• Aventurine

Sources, scope & corrections

These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.

Editorial owner

GeoMiner

Last updated

2026-03-30T14:37:20.446943+00:00

Review status

Published; not independently peer-reviewed

• IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
• Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.

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Common questions

What is Nephrite?

Dense, tough variety of actinolite/tremolite amphibole. One of two minerals called jade, valued for its toughness.

How can you identify Nephrite?

Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Green, white, gray, black; lustre: Vitreous to greasy; streak: White; Mohs hardness: 6-6.5; cleavage: None extremely tough interlocking fibers; crystal system: Monoclinic; transparency: Translucent to opaque. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.

How does Nephrite form?

Forms from metasomatic alteration of serpentinite at contacts with siliceous rocks.

Where is Nephrite commonly found?

British Columbia, New Zealand, China, Russia; found in serpentinite contact zones.

What is Nephrite commonly confused with?

Nephrite may be confused with Jadeite, Serpentine, Aventurine. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.