Post #327829 by Tamapoutini on Thu, Aug 23, 2007 8:41 PM

On 2007-08-21 21:08, Benzart wrote:

Hodad and others have asked "What is the difference between Nephrite and Jadeite? I figured between you and Paipo you could solve the question for us? Thanks again.

Good question! (good, because I know the answer and can look like a smarty-pants :lol: )..

A: The term 'jade' correctly applies to both jadeite & nephrite; two quite different stones but related - somehow(?) Jadeite is by far the rarer of the two, only being found in any quantity in Burma and Guatamala. Jadeite is found in a wide range of colours and isnt as hard or tough as nephrite. Nephrite is found in relatively large quantities in British Colombia, Australia, USA, Siberia, NZ, China and in smaller amounts in other places. Pretty much dictated by association with tectonic/fault-line 'plates' and the right combination of minerals (mainly actinolite & tremolite).

Hows that? What can you add Paipo?

Tama :)