Jade is a generic name used to describe two different varieties of a similar material. One is nephrite jade, the other jadeite.
Nephrite jade is composed of the minerals actinolite and tremolite. Jadeite is mostly made-up of the mineral jadeite.
Both varieties are extremely tough due to their tightly interlocking crystal structure. Nephrite jade is slightly tougher than jadeite.
In regards to rocks and minerals toughness is not the same as hardness. One refers to the resistance of one mineral to being scratched by another, the other refers to its resistance to being crushed, chipped or broken.
Jade holds significant cultural and historical value in many civilizations but particularly in China. It has long been associated with purity, wisdom and harmony.
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