jadéite

Jadéite is a rare and distinctive mineral belonging to the pyroxene group. It is primarily composed of sodium, lithium, aluminum, and silicon, with the chemical formula NaLiAlSi2O6. Jadéite is known for its vibrant blue to green color, which is due to the presence of lithium. This mineral is typically found in metamorphic rocks, particularly in association with glaucophane and lawsonite, which are indicative of high-pressure, low-temperature metamorphism.

Jadéite is often found in metamorphosed oceanic crust, where it forms as a result of the subduction of oceanic plates. It is typically found in veins and fractures within the host rocks. The mineral is named after the French word "jadé," which means jade, reflecting its green color and the historical association of jade with the mineral.

Jadéite is not commonly used in jewelry due to its rarity and the fact that it is not as hard as other gemstones. However, it is sometimes used in decorative items and as a collector's item. The mineral is also of interest to geologists due to its association with high-pressure metamorphism and its role in the study of plate tectonics.

Jadéite is typically found in a few locations around the world, including Japan, the United States, and Russia. It is often found in association with other minerals, such as glaucophane and lawsonite, which are indicative of high-pressure, low-temperature metamorphism. The mineral is typically found in veins and fractures within the host rocks, and it is often found in metamorphosed oceanic crust.