jadeites

Jadeite is a mineral in the pyroxene group with the chemical formula NaAlSi2O6. It is the sodium endmember of the jadeite-nephrite pair, and together with nephrite it is one of the two minerals commonly referred to as jade. Jadeite crystallizes in the monoclinic system and occurs in high-pressure, low-temperature metamorphic environments, particularly in subduction zones.

In terms of appearance, jadeite ranges in color from white to green, with other hues such as lavender, red, brown, and black produced by trace elements. The best-known and historically valued forms are the translucent greens, including the intensely colored “Imperial Jade” from chromium-rich deposits in Burma. Jadeite has a vitreous to waxy luster and a hardness of about 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. It exhibits two good cleavages at about 90 degrees, and its fracture is typically conchoidal to splintery. Its specific gravity is roughly 3.2 to 3.4.

Geologically, jadeite forms during high-pressure metamorphism in aluminous rocks within subduction zones, and it is commonly found in serpentinite bodies or related metamorphic assemblages. Prominent sources include Myanmar (historically the main source of imperial jade), as well as deposits in Guatemala, Russia, and other locations with jade-bearing belts.

Uses of jadeite are primarily in jewelry and ornamentation. The material is valued for its rarity when gem-quality, its range of colors, and its toughness, which makes it well suited to cabochon carving or intricate work. Jadeite remains a key commodity in the gem market and a cultural emblem in several regions.