Jade

Jade is a very popular gemstone composed of sodium aluminum silicate. ^[1]

Jade: Quick Facts and Characteristics

Some quick facts for Jade:

• Transparency: Jade can be opaque or translucent.
• Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, jade is monoclinic.
• Luster: In terms of luster, jade can be vitreous (glassy) or waxy.
• Streak: Jade streaks white.
• Hardness: Jade's hardness ranges from 6 to 7 on the Moh's scale.
• Specific Gravity: Jade's specific gravity ranges from 2.9 to 3.38.

Jade: Background and Summary

Jade is a mineral that has been highly valued for thousands of years across many cultures. It is a compact, dense stone that is tough and durable, making it ideal for carving and jewelry making. Jade comes in a variety of colors, including green, white, brown, and black, and can be translucent or opaque.

To identify jade, there are a few characteristics to look for. First, jade is typically cool to the touch and heavy for its size. It is also very hard, with a Mohs hardness rating of 6.5 to 7.0. Jade often has a waxy or oily texture, and if you hold it up to the light, you may see small, fibrous structures inside the stone.

Jade has been used for a variety of purposes throughout history. In many cultures, it was believed to have healing properties and was used in traditional medicine. Jade has also been used for art and decoration, particularly in China, where it was carved into intricate statues and jewelry. In modern times, jade is still used in jewelry making, and its durability makes it a popular choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry.