What Is Jadeite?

Origin

• Jadeite can be found in highly metamorphosed sodium-rich rocks. China is well known for its use of jade, but it is actually nephrite (the other mineral known as jade) that was abundant there.

Classification

• Jadeite is known as sodium aluminum iron silicate. It is classified among other minerals as a silicate and is in the subclass inosilicates.

Name

• The name jade originates from the Spanish "piedra de ijada," which translates to "stone of the side." It was believed that jade had the ability to cure kidney stones and other kidney ailments.

Characteristics

• Jadeite is usually a green to grayish-green, but can also be white, pale blue or purple and even yellow or pink. Jade is translucent and high quality jadeite is stronger than steel.

Uses

• As an ornamental stone, jadeite is used for carvings. As a semi-precious stone, jadeite can be found in many types of jewelry.