metamorphic
Burmese Jadeite
Jadeite (NaAlSi2O6)
Hardness 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: Pale green to greyish-green; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Structure: Monoclinic, interlocking microcrystalline fibrous; Specific Gravity 3.24-3.43
- Color
- Pale green to greyish-green
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: Pale green to greyish-green; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Structure: Monoclinic, interlocking microcrystalline fibrous; Specific Gravity 3.24-3.43
Formation & geological history
Formed under high pressure and low temperature conditions in subduction zones deep in the Earth's crust; primarily found in metamorphic rocks like serpentinite.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in jewelry (beads, bangles, pendants), ornamental carvings, and as a high-value investment in Asian markets.
Geological facts
Unlike Nephrite jade, Jadeite is rarer and more valuable. Burma (Myanmar) produces over 95% of the world's high-quality jadeite. It is considered a symbol of purity and protection in many cultures.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its cold feel, high density (heavier than it looks), and fine granular texture. Commonly found in alluvial deposits or as boulders in rivers in Myanmar, Guatemala, and Russia.
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