---
title: "Nephrite: meaning in gemology"
description: "Nephrite is a rock of densely interlocked fibers of actinolite-tremolite, an amphibole. This fine-grained interlocking structure makes it very tough."
url: https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/nephrite
image: https://digitalgemology.com/img/og-digital-gemology.png?v=d224fb01
---

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[Glossary](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary) · Colored gemstones

# Nephrite

Also called nephrite jade

Nephrite is a rock of densely interlocked fibers of actinolite-tremolite, an amphibole. This fine-grained interlocking structure makes it very tough.

## Properties

**Gemological properties of nephrite**

| Refractive index | 1.606 to 1.632 (+0.009/-0.006); shadow edge usually about 1.62 |
| --- | --- |
| Birefringence | Not measurable (an aggregate) |
| Optic character | Aggregate |
| Dispersion | Not given by our sources |
| Specific gravity | 2.95 |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6.0 to 6.5 |
| Crystal system | Aggregate (monoclinic) |
| Pleochroism | Not recorded |
| Absorption spectrum | Not recorded |

Published values. They change a little from stone to stone. Our tools do not model nephrite yet. Sources: [GIA](https://www.gia.edu/jade) · [International Gem Society](https://www.gemsociety.org/article/nephrite-jewelry-and-gemstone-information/)

## In more detail

Gem nephrite is commonly white to deep green, but it can also be brown or black. Chromium and iron cause the green color of nephrite. It is a little softer than jadeite, but both resist breaking and chipping very well.

## On a grading report

LMHC wording: Group: amphibole. Species: (natural) actinolite-tremolite. Variety: (color) nephrite (jade).

## Related terms

- [Jade](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/jade): Jade is a trade name for gem rocks made mainly of jadeite or nephrite. Their tiny interlocking crystals make them exceptionally tough.
- [Jadeite](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/jadeite): Jadeite is a pyroxene mineral, and jadeite jade is a rock of its aggregated fibrous or granular crystals. Chromium causes the color of green jadeite.
- [Toughness](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/toughness): Toughness is a gem's resistance to chipping and breaking. It differs from hardness, which is resistance to scratching.
- [Hardness (Mohs)](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/hardness): Hardness is a gem's resistance to scratching. Gemologists rank it on the Mohs scale, on which diamond is 10.

[All 369 terms](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary)