Jade Beads

Jade beads come in two different varieties of jade, specifically jadeite and nephrite. Jadeite, the more expensive of the two, is composed of microscopic crystals. Nephrite, more commonly found in jewelry supplies, is a variety of the mineral actinolite and composed of fibrous crystals. In addition to jewelry making, jade was used in ancient times in tools, weapons, ornamentation, and other carved artifacts due to its strength.

Jadeite can be found in lavender, pink, yellow, and white as well as green. While nephrite is usually only seen in green and white. The content of chromium, iron, manganese, contribute to the many variations of color found in jade. It can be translucent or opaque. There is a jade imitator on the market that is actually dolomite marble which is sold as "mountain jade." It takes dye well, and is dyed many different colors.

Jade jewelry supplies remain an excellent choice for inclusion in jewelry making projects due to its hardness and the variety of color choices. Gemstone beads of jade can be found in a wide variety of fancy shapes as well. In jewelry making, jade beads pair well with black stone, green turquoise, tourmaline, serpentine, fancy jasper, peridot, or aragonite.

common treatments: none

special care: protect from abrasion

hardness: 6.5 - 7