What is Jadeite?
Jadeite is a pyroxene mineral and one of the two types of pure jade. The other is known as nephrite jade. Jadeite is the rarer of the two jades, and as a result, it is considered to be more precious and valuable. The most valuable form ofjadeite is a striking and even emerald green known as "imperial jadeite
The most important source is the large deposit near Tawmaw, Myanmar (Burma). Jadeite has also been found near Omi and Kotaki, Japan; in the Motagua River valley of Guatemala; in San Benito county, Calif.; Kazakhstan; and the Ural Mountains,Russia.
Jadeite and nephrite are totally different minerals. They have different densities,different hardness, different crystal structure, and different chemical compositions. Classic jade, the jade that comes from China, is nephrite, and jadeite, the rarer type of jade, comes from Burma.
The highest quality jade can cost more than gold, at thousands of dollars per ounce, the price of nephrite jade generally varies.
Jadeite and nephrite are minerals that form through metamorphism. They are mostly found in metamorphic rocks associated with subduction zones. ... Jadeite is typically found in rocks that have a higher pressure origin than nephrite.
Jade is a beautiful stone that can be many different colors including green, orange, or white. Most of us will have seen the Jade that is green in color. Jade however is a very popular and expensive stone and this has given rise to many fakes, imitations or treated Jades being seen in the market place.
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