Short answer: True jade refers strictly to two distinct metamorphic minerals: nephrite (a calcium-magnesium silicate whose felted microscopic fibers make it the toughest, most break-resistant natural stone on earth) and jadeite (a denser sodium-aluminum pyroxene with higher scratch hardness and a crisper polish, mined notably in Myanmar and Guatemala). Stones sold online as "new jade" (serpentine), "Indian jade" (green aventurine), or "Malaysian jade" (dyed quartz) are separate minerals, not jade.
1. Nephrite Jade vs. Burmese Jadeite vs. Guatemalan Jadeite
Aurum Brothers crafts bracelets across all three historical jade traditions so you can select by mineral structure, tone, and bead scale:
| Attribute | Nephrite Jade | Burmese Jadeite | Guatemalan Jadeite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral Species | Nephrite (calcium-magnesium silicate) | Jadeite (sodium-aluminum pyroxene) | Jadeite (sodium-aluminum pyroxene) |
| Mohs Scratch Hardness | 6.0–6.5 | 6.5–7.0 | 6.5–7.0 |
| Fracture Toughness | Exceptional — toughest natural gemstone against breaking | High (interlocking granular crystals) | High (interlocking granular crystals) |
| Luster & Color | Waxy-to-silky sheen; deep spinach and forest greens | Sub-vitreous polish; pale celadon and cloudy green | Smooth polish; soft blue-green and smoky sage with cloudy detail |
| Historical Tradition | Over 5,000 years of Chinese imperial seals, blades, and court carving | Carved by leading Qing-dynasty workshops from the late 18th century | Carved by Maya artisans into ceremonial masks, rings, and pendants |
| Aurum Brothers Piece | Nephrite Jade Cube Bracelet V (4mm) | Burmese Jade – Turquoise Bracelet I (6mm) | Guatemalan Jade Bracelet I (8mm) |
2. True Jade vs. Lookalike Stones Sold Online
| Common Trade Nickname | Actual Mineral | Mohs Hardness | Key Distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| "New Jade" / "Olive Jade" | Serpentine | 2.5–5.5 | Softer magnesium silicate; named explicitly as Serpentine when used in mixed pieces |
| "Indian Jade" | Green Aventurine | 6.5–7.0 | Quartz containing reflective mica platelets rather than jadeite or nephrite |
| "Malaysian Jade" | Dyed Quartzite | 7.0 | Artificial dye pools inside grain fractures |
| Imitation / "Pekin" Jade | Molded Glass | ~5.5 | Warms rapidly in the hand; lacks fibrous or granular mineral structure |
3. Gemstone Treatments & Organic Materials Explained Straight
- London Blue Topaz (Mohs 8): Most London Blue Topaz begins as colorless natural topaz and develops its deep ink-blue color through controlled irradiation and heat — an established gemological process producing permanent, stable color.
- Lapis Lazuli vs. Dyed Howlite (Mohs 5.0–5.5): Genuine Lapis Lazuli unites blue lazurite, white calcite, and golden metallic pyrite flecks; dyed white howlite lacks natural pyrite crystals.
- Mother of Pearl / Nacre (Mohs 3.5): Unlike rock-formed minerals, Mother of Pearl is organic nacre built inside living mollusk shells, bending light across microscopic layers into white, silver, and rose overtones.
Explore all custom-sized natural gemstone bracelets in our Men's Bracelet Collection — handcrafted to your exact wrist size in Nieuwkuijk, The Netherlands with 925 sterling silver, free worldwide UPS Express delivery, and 30-day free returns.