Quick answer: true jade is one of two minerals: jadeite (rarer, more valuable, mainly from Myanmar) or nephrite (tougher and more common, from Canada, Russia, China and New Zealand). In Chinese and many Asian traditions jade is the stone of luck, prosperity, harmony and protection, and it is a popular Vastu and gifting stone. Because jade is valuable, much "jade" in the market is something else: dyed quartzite, serpentine, glass or green aventurine sold under trade names such as "Indian jade" or "new jade". The only way to be sure is a lab report that names the mineral. GemKrishna gives you one with every piece.
Jadeite vs nephrite
| Jadeite | Nephrite | |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral | Sodium-aluminium pyroxene | Calcium-magnesium amphibole |
| Main sources | Myanmar (Burma) | Canada, Russia, China, New Zealand |
| Look | Brighter greens, lavender, white; can be translucent and glassy | Spinach to olive green, creamy white; more oily lustre |
| Value | Higher; fine imperial green is among the most valuable gems | Lower; very tough and durable |
A, B and C jade: the treatment grades
- Type A: natural jadeite, only cut, polished and sometimes waxed. This is what collectors want.
- Type B: bleached with acid to remove stains, then impregnated with polymer resin. Looks clean but is weakened and can yellow.
- Type C: dyed to add colour, often after bleaching (B+C).
A lab can identify B and C treatment. If a seller offers bright, perfectly even green "jadeite" at a low price with no report, assume it is treated or not jade.
What does "Indian jade" mean?
"Indian jade" is a trade name used in the market for some green stones, most often green aventurine quartz, which is common in India. It is a real, natural and attractive stone, simply not jadeite or nephrite. When you buy any stone labelled with a trade name, read the identification line on the lab report; that line, not the product name, tells you the mineral. For green aventurine itself, see our green aventurine vs jade guide.
Jade meaning and traditional benefits
- Luck and prosperity: a classic gift for new businesses and homes.
- Harmony and calm: associated with balance in relationships and the heart chakra.
- Protection and long life: in Chinese tradition, jade bangles are given to children and brides.
- Vastu and Feng Shui: jade tortoises, Ganesh idols and plants are kept for stability and wealth.
- Nephrite jade appears in our Cancer and Sagittarius zodiac bracelets.
These are traditional beliefs, not guaranteed outcomes. Some Indian astrologers associate green stones with Mercury (Budh), but jade is not a classical Navratna stone.
Jade products and prices at GemKrishna
| Piece | Approx. price |
|---|---|
| Green jade Ganesh Ji idol | ₹999 |
| Green jade tortoise (kachua) | ₹1,200 |
| Natural green jade tumble stones | ₹1,600–₹7,000 |
| Jadeite jade bracelet | ₹4,000 |
| Green jade and garnet jaap mala | from ₹6,999 |
Every piece's lab report states its exact mineral identification. If you want a specific jade (Burmese jadeite, nephrite, a bangle or carving), message us and we will source it with a report.
Real vs fake jade
- Dyed quartzite and dyed marble: colour concentrated in grain boundaries and cracks, looking "veined" under a loupe.
- Serpentine ("new jade"): softer and lighter; a needle can scratch it, which jade resists. (Do not scratch jewellery you want to keep.)
- Glass: bubbles, swirls, quick warming.
- Weight and feel: jadeite feels heavy and cool for its size.
- Too bright, too cheap: intense emerald-green "jadeite" for a few hundred rupees is not Type A jadeite.
Buying genuine jade from GemKrishna
- Lab report with every piece, mainly from GJSPC; IGI, GRS, IIGJ, GSI or GIA on request. The report names the mineral and any treatment.
- Treatment, if any, is stated in the product title.
- Video of your actual piece before dispatch, and a full refund if it is shown not to be what we stated.
More: where to buy genuine lab-certified gemstones in India.
Care
- Jade is tough but can break if dropped on stone floors.
- Clean with lukewarm water and mild soap; avoid harsh chemicals, especially on Type B jade.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between jadeite and nephrite?
They are two different minerals both called jade. Jadeite is rarer and more valuable; nephrite is tougher and more common.
Is Indian jade real jade?
"Indian jade" is a trade name, often used for green aventurine quartz. It is a natural stone but not jadeite or nephrite; check the lab report's identification.
What is Type A jade?
Natural, untreated jadeite, only cut and polished. Type B is bleached and resin-filled; Type C is dyed.
Where can I buy genuine jade online in India?
GemKrishna sells jade with a lab report that names the mineral and any treatment, mainly from GJSPC, and sources specific jade on request.
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