Jadeite
Also Imperial jade
The rarer and harder of the two jades, priceless in China for two centuries.
- Family
- Jade
- Formula
- NaAlSi₂O₆
- Mohs
- 6.5 to 7
- System
- Monoclinic
Science
Jadeite is a pyroxene formed under high pressure in subduction zones, which is why it occurs in so few places. It is an interlocking mass of tiny crystals, giving it a toughness far beyond its hardness. Chromium makes the imperial green; iron, the duller greens; manganese, lavender. Grades A, B and C describe whether it has been bleached and resin-filled.
- Mineral
- Jade
- Formula
- NaAlSi₂O₆
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5 to 7
- Specific gravity
- 3.30 to 3.38
- Refractive index
- 1.660 to 1.680
- Lustre
- Vitreous to greasy
- Colours
- Green, Lavender, White, Imperial green
Composition
NaAlSi₂O₆. Made of Sodium, Aluminium, Silicon, Oxygen, with trace Chromium, Iron responsible for colour.
Origin
- MyanmarHpakant, Kachin State
- GuatemalaMotagua valley, Maya source
- Russia
- Kazakhstan
- JapanItoigawa
- United StatesCalifornia
Filled dots are primary sources
Rarity
Gem-grade jadeite comes almost entirely from Myanmar. Translucent imperial green is rarer per carat than fine ruby.
- 1 Abundant
- 2 Common
- 3 Uncommon
- 4 Rare
- 5 Exceptional
Hardness
Jadeite sits at 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. It will scratch glass and holds a polish in daily wear.
Energy
Associations from crystal-healing tradition, recorded here as folklore. They are not medical claims.
Chakras
- Heart
Element
- Earth
Zodiac
- Aries
- Taurus
- Gemini
- Libra
- Virgo
Planets
- Venus
Properties
- Harmony
- Prosperity
- Longevity
- Protection
- Serenity
Lore
The Olmec and Maya valued jadeite above gold; Chinese carvers received Burmese jadeite only from the 1780s and made it 'feicui', kingfisher jade, the stone of the Qing court. 'Gold has a price; jade is priceless.'
The Hutton-Mdivani necklace of 27 jadeite beads sold for 27.4 million dollars in 2014, a record for jade.
- Two jadesJadeite and nephrite were only distinguished in 1863.
- ToughnessTougher than steel to fracture, though softer to scratch.