Rock Identifier
Jade (Nephrite (Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2) or Jadeite (NaAlSi2O6)) — gemstone
gemstone

Jade

Nephrite (Ca2(Mg,Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2) or Jadeite (NaAlSi2O6)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous to greasy luster, monoclinic crystal system, and a tough, compact microcrystalline structure with colors ranging from green to white.

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Physical properties

Hardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous to greasy luster, monoclinic crystal system, and a tough, compact microcrystalline structure with colors ranging from green to white.

Formation & geological history

Formed under high-pressure, low-temperature metamorphic conditions in serpentinized ultramafic rocks or subduction zones.

Uses & applications

Widely used for high-end jewelry, intricate carvings, ornamental objects, and historically for weapons due to its extreme toughness.

Geological facts

Jade has been prized in Chinese culture for over 8,000 years, symbolizing purity, moral integrity, and status.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its exceptional toughness, resistance to fracturing, and a specific gravity around 3.0-3.4; commonly sourced from Myanmar, China, and Guatemala.