Jadeite (Jade)

• Hardness

  6.5 - 7

• Occurrence

  Eastern Asia in Burma, as well as in sections of Tibet and southern China

• Jadeite, the less common and more highly prized of the two minerals comprising 'Jade', is a silicate of sodium and aluminum, NaAl(SiO3)2, usually containing some iron, calcium, and magnesium. It belongs to the group of minerals called pyroxenes. Jadeite crystallizes in the monoclinic system but rarely occurs in distinct crystals and is usually found in fibrous, compact, massive aggregates. It has a specific gravity ranging from 3.3 to 3.5; it is extremely tough and difficult to break. The luster on fresh fracture is dull and waxlike, but polished jadeite has a vitreous luster.