Jade Explained: Jadeite, Nephrite, Serpentine and Septarian

Jade, nephrite and septarian can sound like three similar stones, but they are not three varieties of the same mineral. Jade is the gem name for jadeite and nephrite. Nephrite is one type of true jade. Septarian is a completely different rock. For jewelry makers, understanding these names helps you choose beads by material, appearance and treatment rather than color alone.

What is jade?

Traditionally, true jade refers to two distinct gem materials: jadeite and nephrite. They share a long history in carving, ornament and jewelry, but have different mineral compositions and structures. Both are valued for toughness, which means resistance to breaking. Toughness is different from hardness, which measures resistance to scratching.

Jadeite: colorful and sometimes exceptionally valuable

Jadeite is a sodium-aluminum pyroxene with the chemical formula NaAlSi₂O₆. It occurs in green, purple, white, yellow, reddish, gray and black shades. Fine, translucent deep green jadeite is often called imperial jade. The term “icy” or “ice” describes an appearance, not a separate mineral species.

Jadeite generally has a Mohs hardness of about 6.5–7. Exceptional jadeite can command very high prices, but value also depends on color, translucency, texture, size and treatment. A green or purple bead is not automatically jadeite, and its appearance alone cannot confirm its identity.

What is nephrite jade, or “neph”?

“Neph” may be used as shorthand for nephrite in a seller's inventory, but it is not a standardized gem identification. Nephrite is a compact, interlocking aggregate of amphibole minerals in the tremolite–actinolite series. Its composition is commonly represented as Ca₂(Mg,Fe)₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂.

Nephrite is known for dark green, creamy white, gray and very dark shades. Fine creamy white nephrite is often described as “mutton-fat” jade. With a Mohs hardness of approximately 6–6.5, it is slightly softer than jadeite, yet its interlocking fibrous structure gives it exceptional toughness. Tough does not mean unbreakable.

Nephrite has an important place in ancient Chinese jade traditions and Māori culture in Aotearoa New Zealand. Pounamu is a culturally significant name that includes nephrite and certain other valued stones, rather than a simple synonym for every green jade.

A nephrite example from our bead collection

Our Canadian Green Jade Faceted Tube Beads are described in the product listing as natural Canadian nephrite. Their forest-green tones, lighter marbling and irregular faceted tube shapes make them a distinctive choice for bracelets, necklaces and statement earrings. The strand includes small green glass spacer beads between the stones.

Serpentine and jade trade names: what buyers should know

Not every stone sold with “jade” in its trade name is jadeite or nephrite. Names such as “new jade” and “yellow jade” are often used for serpentine in the bead trade. Serpentine is a different mineral group and is generally softer, often around Mohs 3–5, with a waxy-looking surface.

A trade name or color is not proof of mineral identity. In our catalog, many jade-named materials are sold under established trade names for serpentine. Read the material information carefully, and ask for clarification when a listing does not distinguish the mineral species. For high-value purchases, an independent gemological report offers stronger evidence than a name or photograph.

What does dyed jade mean?

Dyed jade describes jade that has been colored with dye. Treatment and mineral identity are separate questions: “dyed” tells you about the color treatment, but does not by itself identify jadeite versus nephrite.

Our Taro Purple Dyed Jade Smooth Rondelle Beads are explicitly labeled dyed jade. Their soft purple color is a design feature, not a claim that they are naturally lavender jadeite. These 5x8mm rondelles work well in layered bracelets, necklaces and spacer arrangements.

More dyed jade beads for colorful jewelry designs

For a cool pastel palette, try our Aquamarine Blue Dyed Jade Smooth Rondelle Beads, 5x8mm. The listing describes light blue beads with light purple beads mixed through the strand. “Aquamarine blue” describes the color; these are sold as dyed jade, not aquamarine.

For a warmer accent, our Raspberry Red Dyed Jade Smooth Rondelle Beads, 5x8mm offer a deep rosy-red shade. Pair them with gold-tone findings for warmth or silver-tone findings for contrast in bracelets, necklaces and earrings.

For a mixed-color design, explore our Tourmaline Color Dyed Jade Smooth Rondelle Beads, 3x6mm. Their pink, orange, green and blue-green palette makes it easy to build a colorful piece from one strand. “Tourmaline color” is a color description, not a claim that these beads are tourmaline.

Each of these products is listed as dyed jade. Choose by your preferred palette and bead size, and remember that a treatment disclosure does not identify the jade species.

What is septarian, or “sept”?

“Sept” may be used as shorthand for septarian. Septarian nodules are sedimentary concretions containing internal cracks that were later filled with minerals. Common specimens combine a gray or brown host rock with yellow calcite and, in some deposits, brown aragonite or other minerals. Their crack networks can create angular, lightning-like or tortoise-shell patterns.

Septarian is a rock containing multiple minerals, not a type of jade. Some well-known deposits are Cretaceous in age, but a fixed age of 50–70 million years should not be applied to every specimen. Age and composition depend on where the nodule formed.

Septarian is sometimes marketed as “Dragon Stone,” but that name is also used for unrelated materials. It should not be confused with dragon bloodstone. Check the actual material description rather than relying on the nickname.

Jade, nephrite and septarian: the quick comparison

Choosing beads for your next jewelry project

Start with the material and treatment, then consider bead shape, dimensions and hole size. Choose Canadian green nephrite for rich green, naturally varied designs, or clearly labeled dyed jade when a coordinated color palette is your priority. Septarian appeals to collectors and makers who enjoy bold natural patterns, but it belongs in a separate category from jade.

For routine bead care, use a soft damp cloth and avoid harsh chemicals, impacts and prolonged soaking. Dyed materials deserve extra care around solvents and cleaners. Always follow any product-specific care guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Is nephrite real jade?

Yes. Nephrite and jadeite are the two traditional true-jade materials.

Is septarian a type of jade?

No. Septarian is a sedimentary concretion with mineral-filled cracks, not jadeite or nephrite.

Is all purple jade naturally lavender jadeite?

No. Purple beads may be dyed or sold under trade names. Read the material and treatment details rather than identifying them by color.

Can you identify true jade from a photo?

A photo can show color, shape and surface appearance, but it cannot reliably establish mineral identity or all treatments. For valuable jade, seek qualified gemological testing.