Jadeite and nephrite are different gem materials sold under the name jade. Both can become beads, bangles and carvings. When comparing jewelry, first check which material the seller means, then read its treatment description and the details of the finished piece.
Read the material name before the color
Jadeite jade has interlocking mineral grains; nephrite has an interwoven fibrous structure. Geoscience Australia describes their different mineral makeups, while GIA explains how the interlocking crystals make jade exceptionally tough. That structure concerns resistance to breaking, rather than a guarantee against scratches or damage.
| Name | Appearance you may encounter | What the description still needs |
|---|---|---|
| Jadeite jade | Green, lavender, white and other colors; appearance can range from opaque to partly transparent | The identity and treatment findings for the particular piece |
| Nephrite jade | Often green or white, with yellow, brown, gray and black also possible; translucent to opaque | The same item-specific material and treatment information |
The color ranges overlap. A green bead, a waxy-looking polish or a photograph with a bright light behind it cannot settle which material you are buying. GIA also includes certain green omphacite within modern use of the word jade, so the specific identification on a report matters more than an umbrella label.
Keep treatment separate from appearance
For jadeite, the familiar A, B and C letters describe treatment. Type A describes jadeite without bleaching, dye or impregnation, apart from traditional surface waxing; Type B refers to bleaching followed by impregnation, commonly with polymer; Type C indicates dye. B+C combines dyeing and impregnation. Ask for the actual treatment wording alongside any letter.
A treatment label does not describe the quality of the carving, the condition of a drilled hole or how well a bracelet fits. Nephrite can also be treated. Ask what is known about the actual material rather than assuming the absence of a jadeite letter means no treatment.
Match the evidence to the piece
If an identification report is offered, compare its photograph, measurements and description with the item for sale. Check the report through the issuing laboratory and read what it says about material and detectable treatment. Keep the seller’s written description with the purchase details.
Then look at the complete construction: bead diameter, bracelet size, cord, metal fittings and condition. Choose a cleaning method for that combination and its known treatments. A material name alone cannot answer every wearing question.
What “pink jade” tells you in ZOUWU
JAMBHALA’s ZOUWU listing describes 8 mm black obsidian and pink jade beads with 18K gold-plated brass accents. The name pink jade describes the listed material; it does not specify jadeite or nephrite, and the product photograph cannot establish either identity or treatment status.
If that distinction would change your choice, ask for the precise identification and supporting information before ordering. If you are choosing for appearance, compare the actual pink-and-black arrangement, fit and construction while keeping the unanswered material question separate.
