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Chemical Formula: NaAl(Si2O6)
Mineral Name: Nephrite or Jadeite
Color: Shades of emerald green as well as
white, gray, yellow, orange and violet
Hardness: 6.5 - 7.0
Specific Gravity: 3.25-3.36
The
term "jade" refers to two different, yet similar in
physical properties, semi-precious metamorphic mineral
gemstones, Jadeite and Nephrite. Jadeite is almost
never found in individual crystals and is composed of
microscopic interlocking crystals that produce a very
tough material. Nephrite is actually not a mineral,
but a variety of the mineral actinolite. The nephrite
variety is composed of fibrous crystals inter-twinned
in a tough compact mass. Nephrite is usually only
green and creamy white, while jadeite can have the
full range of jade's colors.
Jade has resistance to breakage and chipping as jade
and due to its toughness it was made a superior weapon
and tool for early man. It has popularly become a
symbolic stone used in ornaments and religious
artifacts. Valued for its beauty, Jade is highly
sought after by artwork collectors. Jade has a warm,
approachable and desirable appearance, admirable for
both it's simplicities and complexities. The Chinese
consumed powdered jade as a medical remedy for just
about every ailment known. It was also consumed by the
dying, as a powerful embalming solution. Jade in mined
in the regions of Canada, Australia, United States and
Taiwan.
