What is Jadeite?
Jadeite is a sodium-rich aluminum pyroxene mineral formed in metamorphic rocks, such as serpentinite and glaucophane, under high pressure and fairly low temperature conditions. The reaction that forms jadeite is one of decomposition, where albite in the earth's crust decomposes to form jadeite and quartz (NaAlSi3O8-> NaAlSi2O6 +SiO2). It is naturally occurring, and has been found in many places such as Upper Myanmar (Burma), Guatemala, Costa Rica, the People's Republic of China, California, British Columbia, Alaska, Kazakstan, Russia, New Zealand, and Italy.
Jadeite is most often a shade of green, such as light to dark green, apple-green, and emerald-green. However, it is less commonly found in a variety of other colors, including gray, white, cream/yellow, pink purple, brown, black, multicolor, or banded. Its hardness is usually between 6.-6.5. Jadeite's crystal system is monoclinic.
Jadeite is most often a shade of green, such as light to dark green, apple-green, and emerald-green. However, it is less commonly found in a variety of other colors, including gray, white, cream/yellow, pink purple, brown, black, multicolor, or banded. Its hardness is usually between 6.-6.5. Jadeite's crystal system is monoclinic.
History of Jadeite
Jadeite and nephrite are the two minerals that are primarily categorized as the valuable gemstone jade. The two were initially thought to be the same mineral, but in 1863, French chemist Damour found this to be incorrect. Damour proposed the new name "jadeite" for the type of silicate he differentiated when he found it to contain sodium and aluminum. For this reason, it can be said that Damour identified and "discovered" jadeite, although the mineral had been used prior to his findings.
The mineral Jadeite had actually been used for centuries, and its use dates back to the ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica and China. Jadeite was especially prized among these ancient civilizations, including the Aztec, Maya, Olmec civilizations. Jadeite was carved, used as currency, and used to make buttons, ornaments, and jewelry. Jadeite is most commonly used today as a semi-precious gemstone in jewelry.
There are no known health issues caused by exposure to jadeite. In fact, in ancient times, jadeite was thought to cure stomach illness. Today, it is also used for "spiritual healing."
The mineral Jadeite had actually been used for centuries, and its use dates back to the ancient civilizations of Mesoamerica and China. Jadeite was especially prized among these ancient civilizations, including the Aztec, Maya, Olmec civilizations. Jadeite was carved, used as currency, and used to make buttons, ornaments, and jewelry. Jadeite is most commonly used today as a semi-precious gemstone in jewelry.
There are no known health issues caused by exposure to jadeite. In fact, in ancient times, jadeite was thought to cure stomach illness. Today, it is also used for "spiritual healing."