Jade, Green Nephrite, Matte, Smooth Round in sizes 6mm & 8mm. Priced Per Strand

Jade, Green Nephrite, Matte, Natural, Smooth Round.

This price is for one strand 15 to 16 inches long. 

6mm strands have 60 to 65 pieces.

8mm strands have 43 to 48 pieces.

There are two types of Jade: Nephrite and Jadeite. They both have similar properties and appearances, but Nephrite is more common, and therefore, the less expensive of the two. For centuries, Jadeite and Nephrite were considered the same. They were not identified as different until 1863. The two stones differ in color and hardness. Jadeite is harder, rating a 7 on the hardness scale, while Nephrite rates only a 6.5. Jadeite comes in virtually every color while Nephrite has a more limited range of color.

Nephrite Jade is one of the two distinct minerals commonly known as Jade. Nephrite Jade is a mineral composed of highly dense, fibrous crystal masses. While Nephrite does not match the variety or the fine green colors found in Jadeite, it does occur in attractive colors, including green.

Nephrite is the Jade that was first used in China for weapons, and later for ornaments and most popularly used now in carvings, jewelry, and decorations. There are large Nephrite deposits throughout China. The most economically important green Nephrite sources are found in China, British Columbia (BC Jade), and Siberia.

Nephrite Jade is Alaska and Wyoming’s state gemstone.

Hardness 6-6.5

The source of these beads is China and they are cut, drilled and polished in China. 

This is a natural stone that has had no treatment other than cutting, drilling, and polishing and the matte treatment mentioned here.

Matte beads have a velvety or frosted surface, rather than a shiny or reflective surface. These stones undergo additional tumbling that require knowledge of the material and skill. Each stone type requires a different amount of time in the tumbler depending on the material's hardness and characteristics. The matte finish also creates a variation in color from the traditional finish of the bead.