AllMineralsRock
Jadeite
Jadeite is a very popular mineral composed of sodium aluminum silicate. [1]
Jadeite: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Jadeite:- Transparency: Jadeite can be opaque or translucent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, jadeite is monoclinic.
- Luster: In terms of luster, jadeite can be greasy, pearly, vitreous (glassy) or waxy.
- Streak: Jadeite streaks white.
- Hardness: Jadeite's hardness ranges from 6.5 to 7 on the Moh's scale.
- Specific Gravity: Jadeite's specific gravity ranges from 3.25 to 3.34.
Jadeite: Background and Summary
Jadeite is a mineral that belongs to the pyroxene group and is one of two types of jade, the other being nephrite. Jadeite is a sodium aluminum silicate with a hardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, making it a relatively hard mineral. It is usually found in shades of green, but it can also appear in white, pink, yellow, and blue colors. Jadeite is primarily found in Myanmar, but it can also be found in other countries such as Guatemala, Japan, and Russia.To identify jadeite, one must look for its specific characteristics. Jadeite has a vitreous luster and a translucent to opaque appearance. It also has a characteristic texture that can be described as a granular or fibrous texture. When viewed under a polarizing microscope, jadeite has a distinctive blue-green color.
Jadeite has been used for centuries as a decorative and ornamental material. It is commonly used in jewelry, carvings, and sculptures. Jadeite is also used in various industrial applications such as the manufacture of electrical insulators, heat-resistant materials, and abrasive products.
Jadeite: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Jadeite (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | NaAlSi2O6 |
| Chemical Composition | sodium aluminum silicate |
| Specific Gravity | 3.25, 3.34, 3.36 |
| Hardness | 6.5, 7 |
| Streak | white |
| Crystallography | monoclinic |
| Refractive Index | 1.64, 1.667 |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: green, yellow, blue, white sometimes: red, brown, purple less common: gray, pink, black, orange, violet, colorless, band, multicolor |
| Category | pyroxene |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.013 - 0.020 |
| Fracture | 1: 1 |
Jadeite: FAQ
Q: Is jadeite more valuable than nephrite?A: Yes, jadeite is generally more valuable than nephrite due to its rarity and the difficulty of mining it.
Q: How is jadeite formed?
A: Jadeite is formed in subduction zones where oceanic crust is forced beneath continental crust. The high pressure and temperature conditions in these zones cause the formation of jadeite.
Q: Can jadeite be imitated or treated?
A: Yes, jadeite can be treated to enhance its color and clarity, and it can also be imitated using materials such as glass and plastic. It is important to purchase jadeite from reputable sources to ensure its authenticity.
Sources
- "Jadeite: Mineral information, data and localities." Mindat.org. Accessed August 17, 2021. https://www.mindat.org/min-2066.html.- "Jadeite." Geology.com. Accessed August 17, 2021. https://geology.com/minerals/jadeite.shtml.
- "Jadeite." Gemological Institute of America. Accessed August 17, 2021. https://www.gia.edu/jadeite.
- Jadeite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jadeite
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