Jade

Jade is the "family" name for Jadeite and Nephrite; it is a fined grained mineral which can be made up of either Jadeite or Nephrite or a combination of both minerals.

In general the chemical or mineral make up of these two forms of Jade are quite different:

Nephrite Jade is a silicate calcium and magnesium; it is usually "blotchy" and/or banded with colours varying between dark green and cream.

Jadeite is a silicate of sodium and aluminium and although green is the favourite, Jadeite can come in many colours.