Actinolite and the gemstone nephrite contain the same elements. However, because actinolite is less attractive and more difficult to cut and polish, it is far less valuable.

Actinolite has the same chemical formula as the gemstone nephrite. Nephrite is one of the two main sources of jade, the other being jadeite. Actinolite is an amphibole mineral, one of an important group of rock-forming hydrous silicates widely distributed in igneous and metamorphic rocks.

Deposits are rare in southern B.C. but the Cassiar region is a noted source.