Nephrite Price in Pakistan: Colour, Translucency and Fair Value

Nephrite is one of the two minerals sold as jade, and it is the one most buyers in Pakistan will meet. It is tough, calm-looking and usually far more affordable than jadeite, which makes it a sensible choice for a ring that will be worn every day. Prices still vary widely, and the reasons are not always obvious from a photo.

This guide explains what moves the price of nephrite: its colour, how even that colour is, how much light passes through it, the small dark spots many stones contain, and the quality of the polish. It also covers per-ratti pricing, how to make sure two sellers are quoting the same material, and which budget tiers suit nephrite. Our nephrite collection shows each stone with its own photo and weight.

Nephrite prices from our listings

The table below is built from the nephrite stones currently listed on GemStore and is refreshed monthly. It shows the lowest, typical and highest price per stone, and the same figures per carat and per ratti.

Nephrite · October 2026 edition · PKR, from GemStore listings. 1 ratti = 0.91 carat.

Weight	Weights	Stones	Per carat	Per ratti
6 – 10 carat	6.4 – 9.8 ct	11	Rs 440 – Rs 460	Rs 400 – Rs 420
Over 10 carat	19.6 – 21.5 ct	3	Rs 450 – Rs 450	Rs 410 – Rs 410

Use it to check whether another quote is in a sensible range, then use the sections below to judge where a particular stone should sit. The monthly gemstone price guide covers other stones in the same way.

Nephrite or jadeite: make sure you are comparing the same thing

Both nephrite and jadeite are sold as jade, and in Pakistan both may be called yashab. They are different minerals with very different price levels. Fine jadeite, especially bright green, can cost many times more than nephrite of a similar size. Most of the jade sold in Pakistani markets is nephrite or something sold as jade that is neither.

Before comparing prices, ask a seller which mineral they are offering. Our jade buying guide explains the difference, and our jade collection is listed separately from nephrite so you can see both. The planned jade price guide covers jadeite pricing.

Colour

Nephrite comes in many colours, and colour sets most of its price.

• Rich, even green, often called spinach green, is the classic colour and the one most buyers want in a ring. A deep, lively green costs more than a dull or greyish one.
• White to cream nephrite, known in the trade as mutton-fat when it has a soft, oily lustre, is highly valued by collectors, especially when it is pure and even.
• Black nephrite takes a fine polish and is popular for men's rings.
• Grey, brown and olive nephrite is the most common and the most affordable.

Look at the colour in daylight. Green nephrite can look much brighter under a shop's lights than it does outdoors.

Evenness and flaws

Many green nephrite stones contain small black spots, which are tiny crystals of other minerals. A few small spots are normal. Stones with no spots and an even colour are worth noticeably more; stones with many large spots, streaks or patchy colour are worth less.

Other flaws to look for:

• Pale or brownish patches where the colour changes.
• Fine cracks that reach the surface.
• Pits or soft spots that did not take the polish.

Translucency

Hold a good nephrite up to a light and it glows slightly through its edges. That translucency gives the stone depth and adds to its price. Fully opaque stones look flatter and are usually more affordable. For green nephrite, a gentle translucency with even colour is the target. Very translucent nephrite is less common and priced higher.

Polish and cut

Nephrite is only about 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, but it is extremely tough because of its tightly interlocked fibres. It rarely chips or breaks, which is why it has been carved for thousands of years. Its fibrous structure also means it needs patient polishing to achieve a smooth, even shine; hurried work leaves an orange-peel texture.

• A smooth, even lustre with a crisp reflection adds value.
• Cabochons and flat tablets are the usual ring shapes.
• Carved pieces are priced on the skill of the carving as well as the stone.
• Beads for tasbih and bracelets are priced by the strand; matching colour across all the beads costs more. See our tasbih page.

Size

Nephrite is found in large boulders, so size does not push the price per ratti up sharply. A large stone with even colour and no spots is less common, though, and is priced accordingly. A big stone with blotchy colour is not worth a premium. Our listings include ring stones such as the 6.35 carat nephrite and larger pieces such as the 20.75 carat nephrite.

Origin

Nephrite is mined in several countries, including Canada, Russia, China and New Zealand. Origin labels sometimes carry a premium among collectors, but they are hard to confirm without testing. For most buyers, the colour and evenness of the stone in front of them matter far more than the label.

Treatment and imitations

Most nephrite is untreated apart from waxing, which improves surface lustre and is a routine finishing step. Dyeing does happen, especially on pale stones, and should be disclosed and priced lower.

The more common problem is a different material sold as jade or nephrite. Serpentine, including the pale green material often called "Pakistani jade" in the trade, is softer and cheaper. Green aventurine quartz, dyed quartzite and glass are also sold as jade. Each of these should cost far less than real nephrite. Our planned guide to real and fake jade covers the checks, and our nephrite page explains how to tell nephrite from serpentine.

How nephrite wears over time

Nephrite's toughness means it is one of the few gem materials that can survive the occasional knock that would chip quartz or crack emerald. That makes it good value for a ring worn every day. Its lower hardness means fine scratches can appear over years of wear, especially if it is stored alongside harder stones, but they can be polished out by a jeweller. Untreated nephrite keeps its colour indefinitely; dyed stones can fade in strong sunlight, which is one more reason to ask about treatment before you pay.

For care, a soft cloth and mild soapy water are enough. Avoid harsh chemicals, which can strip the wax finish and leave the surface looking dull until it is rewaxed. Our gemstone care guide covers storage.

Per carat or per ratti: reading a quote

Nephrite in Pakistan is often quoted per ratti for ring stones and per piece for carvings and beads. The standard gemstone ratti is 0.91 carat (about 0.182 grams). The jeweller's sunari ratti is smaller, about 0.1215 grams or roughly 0.61 carat. A 20.02 carat stone is 22 standard ratti but about 33 sunari ratti, so the unit makes a big difference. Use our carat to ratti converter to compare.

How to compare two nephrite quotes

1. Confirm the mineral. Nephrite, jadeite or something else?
2. Compare colour in daylight and check for black spots.
3. Ask about treatment, especially dyeing.
4. Agree on the unit, carats or which ratti.
5. Look at the polish in a reflection photo.
6. Separate stone and setting if a ring is included.
7. Check return terms before you pay.

Budget tiers, by filter

• under 5,000 rupees: smaller stones and greyish or spotted greens; a good start.
• 5,000 to 20,000 rupees: larger ring stones with better colour and fewer spots.
• 20,000 to 50,000 rupees: fine, even green or white stones in useful sizes.
• over 50,000 rupees: exceptional nephrite, or jadeite rather than nephrite.

Green stones in every budget are gathered on our green gemstones page.

Why nephrite feels different in the hand

Experienced buyers often recognise nephrite by feel before they look closely. It is fairly dense, so a stone feels slightly heavier than a quartz or glass piece of the same size, and it stays cool to the touch for a moment longer. Its polish has a soft, oily or waxy lustre rather than the glassy shine of quartz. These are useful first clues, not proof. A seller who can describe how a stone feels and shines, and who will arrange testing if you ask, is usually a seller who knows the material.

Pricing traps to avoid

• Jadeite prices for nephrite. If a stone is sold as jade at a high price, ask for the mineral to be confirmed.
• Nephrite prices for serpentine. Pale, soft, very even green material sold as jade is often serpentine, which should cost much less.
• Dyed colour sold as natural. Unusually bright or uneven green, concentrated in cracks, can point to dye.
• Size over colour. A large, blotchy stone is not better value than a smaller, even one.

If you are unsure, our planned guide to wearing jade and the jade buying guide help you decide what to look for before you pay.

Buying nephrite from GemStore

Each nephrite we list has its own photo, weight and price, and known treatments are disclosed. Cash on Delivery is available anywhere in Pakistan, and you may open the parcel and inspect the stone before paying the rider. Orders are dispatched in one to two working days and arrive in about seven working days by insured, tracked courier, with seven-day returns. A certificate is available on request, and independent lab testing can be arranged if you want the mineral confirmed. For a daylight photo of any stone, message us on WhatsApp at +92 308 887 3888.

Shop the stones: nephrite.