Elastic bracelet with 19–23 XinYi jade 8 mm beads, strung on high-strength elastic cord. XinYi jade — a variety of green serpentine from Guangdong province, China — offers a characteristic deep green with white and gray veins running across the surface of each bead. The feel is smooth and waxy, very different from the vitreous luster of quartz. The elasticity of the cord allows it to fit most wrist sizes without a metal clasp.
Item details
| Mineral |
XinYi Jade (green serpentine — Mg₃Si₂O₅(OH)₄) |
| Bead size |
8 mm diameter (±0.5 mm) |
| Number of beads |
19–23 units depending on wrist size |
| Finish |
Waxy polish |
| Hardness |
2.5–3.5 Mohs — avoid knocks and direct abrasion |
| Clasp |
No clasp — adjustable elastic cord |
| Origin |
China (Guangdong province) |
| Treatment |
Untreated |
| Type |
Multi-unit — natural mineral beads |
The beads in detail
XinYi jade belongs to the serpentine mineral group, a family of magnesium phyllosilicates that includes the antigorite, lizardite, and chrysotile varieties. The characteristic deep green to grayish-green color of this variety comes from traces of iron and chromium incorporated into the magnesium lattice during crystallization. Unlike jadeitite jade (pyroxene) or nephrite jade (actinolite), serpentine has lower hardness and a softer feel, with the typical waxy luster of hydrated phyllosilicates.
Each bead shows subtle color variations — from dark moss green to lighter mint green — with white or gray veins running irregularly across the surface. This natural variation is the mineral's signature: no two beads exactly reproduce the pattern of the next. In direct natural light, the entire bracelet creates an organic green gradient effect that varies with the viewing angle.
How XinYi jade is formed
Serpentine primarily originates through serpentinization: hot water circulates through ultramafic rocks (peridotite, dunite) and transforms olivine and pyroxene minerals into hydrated phyllosilicates of the serpentine group. This process occurs in oceanic subduction zones and deep continental crust. The Guangdong, China, deposits are associated with Mesozoic ophiolite belts. The intense green color develops when ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) partially replaces magnesium in the crystal lattice.
Jade in lapidary tradition
Jade has held a central place in Chinese culture for over five thousand years. The Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) used jade in funeral ceremonies and buried nobles with suits made of jade pieces sewn with gold thread. In the traditional Chinese hierarchical scale, jade was associated with the five Confucian virtues: benevolence, righteousness, propriety, courage, and purity. Green serpentine — marketed in modern lapidary markets as "new jade" — continues this tradition in more accessible formats.
In crystal tradition, green jade is associated with emotional serenity, openness of heart, and prosperity — qualities that in Chinese culture were considered inherent to the stone. This is shared as a cultural reference, not as medical advice.
How to recognize genuine XinYi jade
Genuine serpentine has a green color ranging from moss green to grayish green, with characteristic white or black veins. Under magnification, the surface shows a very fine scaly texture, different from that of glass or synthetic resin. The hardness test is the most practical: with 2.5–3.5 Mohs, a coin can scratch the surface — dyed quartz (Mohs 7) would not allow this. Genuine mineral also feels cold to the touch and has a density clearly superior to plastic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is XinYi jade authentic jade?
XinYi jade is a variety of green serpentine, mineralogically distinct from jadeitite jade and nephrite. In international lapidary markets, serpentine is marketed as "new jade" — an established trade name, not an imitation. The main difference is in hardness (2.5–3.5 Mohs versus 6–7 for jadeitite jade) and chemical composition (magnesium phyllosilicate versus sodium pyroxene).
Is this bracelet treated?
No detectable treatment. The green comes from traces of iron and chromium in the serpentine structure, without dyeing or chemical stabilization. This statement is based on lapidary observation; the piece does not include formal gemological certification.
How to care for a XinYi jade bracelet?
With a hardness of 2.5–3.5 Mohs, serpentine can be scratched by everyday objects. We recommend removing the bracelet when playing sports and cleaning it with a soft, damp cloth, without acidic detergents or ultrasonic cleaners. The elastic cord should be kept away from extreme heat and prolonged immersion in water. Please refer to our jewelry care guide.
Is the bracelet one size fits all?
Yes. The elastic cord fits most wrist sizes (16–20 cm circumference). The number of beads varies between 19 and 23 units depending on the batch; the diameter of each bead is 8 mm ±0.5 mm.
Can the bracelet get wet?
The mineral tolerates occasional contact with water, but the elastic cord can deteriorate with prolonged immersion. We recommend removing it when swimming or showering to preserve the cord's lifespan.
How to distinguish XinYi jade from plastic or resin?
Genuine mineral feels cold to the touch, has a density clearly superior to plastic, and shows natural, not perfectly symmetrical, veins. Plastic tends to have a uniform color with no internal variations and quickly warms up in the hand.
See also: mineral bracelets collection · jade properties.
