It is one of two different mineral species called jade. ... Nephrite can be found in a translucent white to very light yellow form which is known in China as mutton fat jade, in an opaque white to very light brown or gray which is known as chicken bone jade, as well as in a variety of green colors.

How do I know if my jade is nephrite?

Identifying the varieties of jade is often considered to be quite easy for most experts. Nephrite can frequently be distinguished from jadeite by its lower level of luster and translucency. Nephrite's luster is slightly more greasy to resinous, while jadeite's is more vitreous.

Can jade be translucent?

Not all Jadeite Jade are green and not all are translucent. Lower quality jadeite are opaque and of less desirable colour. In the market where the demand for high quality Jadeite is strong, industry experts artificially treat low quality Jadeite to enhance their transparency and colour.