When it comes to gemstones, two of the most frequently confused are serpentine and jade. Both stones have been cherished throughout history for their beauty and supposed metaphysical properties. However, despite their visual similarities, serpentine and jade are quite different in terms of composition, hardness, and value. This guide will help you distinguish between these two fascinating stones.
Understanding the Basics
Serpentine is a group of minerals that are primarily composed of hydrated magnesium silicate. It comes in various shades of green, but can also be found in yellow, white, and black. The stone often has a waxy luster and a smooth texture.
Jade refers to two distinct minerals: jadeite and nephrite. Jadeite is a sodium and aluminum-rich pyroxene, while nephrite is a calcium and magnesium-rich amphibole. Both types of jade are known for their toughness and come in a range of colors, including green, white, yellow, and lavender.
Key Differences Between Serpentine and Jade
Hardness
- Serpentine: It ranks about 2.5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it relatively soft and easy to scratch.
- Jade: Jadeite ranks about 6.5 to 7, and nephrite about 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Both are significantly harder than serpentine, contributing to their durability.
Appearance and Texture
- Serpentine: Typically exhibits a waxy or greasy luster and a smooth feel. Its colors are often more subdued and can include veins or patches of different shades.
- Jade: Has a glassy to waxy luster. Jadeite is usually more vibrant and translucent, while nephrite can have a fibrous appearance with a soapy texture. Jade’s colors are generally more intense and uniform.
Serpentine
Jadeite
Transparency
- Serpentine: Generally opaque, though some specimens can be slightly translucent.
- Jade: High-quality jadeite can be semi-transparent to translucent, giving it a vibrant inner glow. Nephrite is usually more opaque but can be translucent when cut thinly.
- Serpentine: Generally opaque, though some specimens can be slightly translucent.
Specific Gravity
- Serpentine: Has a specific gravity of about 2.5 to 2.6, making it lighter than jade.
- Jade: Jadeite has a specific gravity of 3.3 to 3.5, while nephrite ranges from 2.9 to 3.1. This makes jade feel heavier than serpentine of the same size.
- Serpentine: Has a specific gravity of about 2.5 to 2.6, making it lighter than jade.
Price and Value
- Serpentine: Generally less expensive due to its abundance and lower demand.
- Jade: Particularly jadeite, can be very expensive, especially high-quality pieces from Myanmar (Burma). Nephrite is usually less expensive than jadeite but can still command high prices depending on the quality.
- Serpentine: Generally less expensive due to its abundance and lower demand.
Testing Methods to Differentiate Serpentine and Jade
Scratch Test
- Given jade’s higher hardness, it can scratch serpentine. Using a tool like a steel blade (which has a Mohs hardness of about 5.5) can help: it will scratch serpentine but not jade.
- Given jade’s higher hardness, it can scratch serpentine. Using a tool like a steel blade (which has a Mohs hardness of about 5.5) can help: it will scratch serpentine but not jade.
Luster Observation
- Examine the luster under a strong light. Serpentine will have a more waxy or greasy luster, whereas jade, especially jadeite, will display a glassy luster.
- Examine the luster under a strong light. Serpentine will have a more waxy or greasy luster, whereas jade, especially jadeite, will display a glassy luster.
Weight Test
- Compare the weights of two similarly sized stones. Jade will feel noticeably heavier due to its higher specific gravity.
- Compare the weights of two similarly sized stones. Jade will feel noticeably heavier due to its higher specific gravity.
Translucency Check
- Hold the stone up to the light. High-quality jadeite will show translucency, whereas serpentine will mostly appear opaque.
- Hold the stone up to the light. High-quality jadeite will show translucency, whereas serpentine will mostly appear opaque.
Advanced Testing
- Refractive Index: Use a refractometer to measure the stone’s refractive index. Jadeite has a higher refractive index (1.66 to 1.68) compared to serpentine (1.56 to 1.57).
- Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction: For precise identification, these advanced methods can determine the mineral composition.
- Refractive Index: Use a refractometer to measure the stone’s refractive index. Jadeite has a higher refractive index (1.66 to 1.68) compared to serpentine (1.56 to 1.57).
Conclusion
Distinguishing serpentine from jade can be challenging due to their visual similarities. However, by examining factors such as hardness, luster, weight, and transparency, you can identify which stone you have. While serpentine is valued for its beauty and ease of carving, jade, particularly jadeite, is prized for its durability and rich cultural significance. Understanding these differences can enhance your appreciation and knowledge of these intriguing gemstones.
