The other jade mineral is jadeite . Jade has been used for eons in China and Central America as an ornamental and religious stone of deep significance. The nephrite jade was used mostly in China, although both have been used in both regions. Nephrite is more abundant than jadeite and has few color varieties, ranging only from creamy white to green. Simple actinolite occasionally forms interesting crystal habits and specimens.
Crystals can be similar to hornblende, but are always translucent or even transparent.
Typically they are prismatic, flattened and elongated. Crystal specimens of actinolite can make very interesting mineral specimens. Color is usually green.white or gray. Luster is vitreous. Fracture is splintery to uneven.