The mineral jadeite

	Chemical Formula	NaAlSi₂O₆
	Composition	Sodium aluminum silicate, sometimes with some calcium and iron
	Variable Formula	(Na,Ca)(Al,Fe)Si₂O₆
	Color	Light to dark green, cream, gray, and white. May also be a mixture of white and light green. Occasionally also yellow, pink, purple, brown, and black.
	Streak	White
	Hardness	6½ - 7
	Crystal Forms and Aggregates	(Monoclinic) Visible crystals are extremely rare. Usually occurs in tough masses of dense fibers and blades. These masses may be smooth and waterworn, or they may be rough and massive. When crystals do occur, they are small, slender, and usually in bladed aggregates.
	Transparency	Translucent to nearly opaque
	Specific Gravity	3.3 - 3.5
	Luster	Waxy, greasy; pearly on cleavage surfaces. Polished material may be vitreous.
	Cleavage	1,2 - prismatic at cleavage angles of 87º and 93º (characteristic of minerals in the pyroxene group).
	Fracture	Splintery, uneven
	Tenacity	Brittle
	Varieties	Jade - Jadeite faceted or carved for gem or ornamental use
	In Group	Silicates ; Inosilicates ; Pyroxene group
	All About	Jadeite is famous for its gem variety, Jade. Jewelry and ornamental carvings were made from Jade throughout the history of mankind. Jade was very precious in some societies, and was sometimes worth more than Gold. Jadeite is not the only form of Jade. The amphibole mineral Nephrite also has a gem form of Jade. On a gemological standpoint, all tough masses of Jadeite and Nephrite are called Jade. Jadeite Jade and Nephrite Jade are almost identical, and it may be very difficult to distinguish the two. In fact, they were thought to be one mineral until 1863, when it was discovered that they are scientifically different minerals. Jadeite Jade is rarer and more valuable than Nephrite Jade. The most common color for both forms of Jade is pale green. Emerald-green Jade, known as "Imperial Jade", is the most valuable form of Jade.
	Uses	Jadeite is an important mineral, as it is a form of Jade. It is cut into cabochons, beads, and earrings. Rings and bracelets are also sometimes carved out of an entire mass of Jade. Valuable ornamental sculptures and figures are also carved from this gem.
	Striking Features	Color, crystal habits, and mineral associations
	Popularity (1-4)	1
	Prevalence (1-3)	2
	Demand (1-3)	1
	Distinguishing Similar Minerals	Nephrite - very difficult to distinguish Serpentine - softer, less dense, has a greasy feel
	Commonly Occurs With	Serpentine, Nepheline, Calcite, Quartz, Aragonite, Glaucophane, Vesuvianite
	Noteworthy Localities	Some of the finest Jadeite comes from Tawmaw, Myanmar (Burma). It is from this deposit that most gem-quality Jade is extracted from. There is a smaller deposit of similar significance in Yunian, Tibet. Other deposits are in Guatemala, Mexico, and Japan. In the U.S., small crystals come from Cloverdale, Sonoma Co., California, and huge masses from the Clear Creek, San Benito Co., California.
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