metamorphic
Jadeite
Jadeite (NaAlSi2O6)
Hardness: 6.5-7.0 (Mohs); Color: Apple green to pale green; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Monoclinic; Cleavage: Prismatic in two directions at 87 and 93 degrees; Specific Gravity: 3.24-3.43.
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Apple green to pale green
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7.0 (Mohs); Color: Apple green to pale green; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Monoclinic; Cleavage: Prismatic in two directions at 87 and 93 degrees; Specific Gravity: 3.24-3.43.
Formation & geological history
Formed in metamorphic rocks under high-pressure and low-temperature conditions, typically in subduction zones where oceanic plates meet continental plates. It is a constituent of eclogite facies rocks.
Uses & applications
Primarily used for high-end jewelry, figurines, and ornamental carvings. Historically used for axe heads and weapons due to its extreme toughness.
Geological facts
While Nephrite is also called jade, Jadeite is the rarer and more valuable mineral. The most prized variety is the translucent emerald green known as 'Imperial Jade'.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (cannot be scratched by a steel knife) and its fibrous, interlocking crystalline structure which provides exceptional toughness. Common locations include Myanmar, Guatemala, and Russia.
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