Jade, a gemstone treasured across cultures for centuries, is often associated with a distinct green hue. While many envision jade as solely green, this remarkable mineral presents a much wider and more diverse spectrum of colors. From vibrant purples to muted browns, jade’s appearance is far richer than commonly perceived.
Understanding Jadeite and Nephrite
The term “jade” classifies two distinct mineral species: jadeite and nephrite. Jadeite is a pyroxene mineral, primarily a sodium aluminum silicate. Nephrite is an amphibole mineral, a silicate of calcium and magnesium. Their differing mineral structures result in variations in hardness, luster, and the range of colors they can exhibit.
Jadeite’s Vibrant Color Range
Jadeite is known for its wide array of vivid and intense colors. While green is the most recognized, jadeite green varies from pale to deep emerald, including the highly sought-after “Imperial Jade,” a translucent, rich emerald green. Beyond green, jadeite also occurs in striking lavender or purple shades, from light lilac to deeper violet.
Other colors include white, which can be nearly colorless or opaque, and various shades of yellow, orange, and reddish-brown. Rarely, jadeite can be found in blue.
Nephrite’s Diverse Hues
Nephrite typically displays a more subdued and earthy color palette compared to jadeite. Its common colors include various shades of green, such as spinach green, olive green, and dark green, sometimes appearing almost black. Nephrite also comes in creamy whites, often called “mutton fat” jade in China, as well as greys and browns.
While nephrite’s colors are generally less intense than jadeite’s, its characteristic oily or waxy luster gives it a unique appeal. These often muted hues contribute to nephrite’s distinct beauty and historical significance.
The Chemistry Behind Jade’s Colors
The varied colors in both jadeite and nephrite are due to specific trace elements within their mineral structures. In jadeite, vibrant green, especially emerald green, often results from trace chromium. Iron also influences color, contributing to yellow, brown, and some green or black shades in jadeite.
Lavender hues in jadeite are caused by manganese. In nephrite, greens are largely attributed to iron content within its actinolite mineral composition. The concentration and oxidation state of these metallic impurities determine the final color.