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Jade

Big Photo

Jadeite
Myanmar
8.59 carats
© Rarestone.com

In strict gemmological terms, jade relates to two minerals jadeite or nephrite found as tough fine-grained rocks ideal for carving. Differentiation between jadeite and nephrite is based on properties, but the term Jade is used as a description of both.
The name Jade is derived from Spanish word for "stone of the loins" - hip stone, as it was seen as a protection against and cure for kidney deseases.

Jade Gemstones by Colour

This table shows the variety of hues this gemstone can be found in. Click on a photo for more information.
 
General Information
Varieties/Types:
Jade Simulants
Saussurite is used as jade substitute (for carving) - Blue Chart Gem Identification, Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, 2010, p 8
There are many imitations made from glass and plastic. Glued triplets and colorations in order to improve the colour value are known. - Gemstones of the world, Walter Schumann, 2001, p 156
Physical Properties of Jade
Mohs Hardness6 to 7
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Specific Gravity2.90 to 3.38
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
TenacityBrittle
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Cleavage QualityNone
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
FractureSplintery
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Optical Properties of Jade
Refractive Index1.600 to 1.688
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Birefringence0.020 to 0.027
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
PleochroismAbsent
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
DispersionNone
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Colour
Colour (General)Green, also all other colours
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
TransparencyTranslucent,Opaque
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Crystallography of Jade
Crystal SystemMonoclinic
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
HabitIntergrown grainy or fine fibrous aggregate
Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the world (2001)
Further Information
Mineral information:Jade information at mindat.org
Significant Gem Localities
Australia
 
  • South Australia
    • Eyre Peninsula
      • Cowell
[var: Nephrite] Nichol (2000)
Canada
 
  • British Columbia
    • Liard Mining Division
      • Cassiar
[var: Nephrite] Nichol (2000)
[var: Nephrite] Nichol (2000)
Cuba
 
  • Guantánamo Province
[var: Jadeite] Garcia-Casco et al. (2009)
Italy
 
  • Liguria
    • Genoa
      • Sestri Levante
[var: Nephrite] Nichol (2000)
Japan
 
  • Niigata Prefecture
    • Itoigawa City
[var: Jadeite] Chihara (1999)
      • Ōmi
[var: Jadeite] Chihara (1999)
Kazakhstan
 
  • Karaganda Region
    • Aktogay
      • Krasnyi Oktyabr'
[var: Jadeite] Spiridonov (1998)
Myanmar
 
  • Kachin State
    • Mohnyin District
      • Hpakant Township (Hpakan; Phakant; Phakan)
        • Hpakant-Tawmaw Jade Tract
          • Hpakant (Hpakan; Phakant; Phakan)
[var: Jadeite] Ou Yang (1999)
[var: Jadeite] Ou Yang (1999)
[var: Jadeite] Ou Yang (1999)
[var: Jadeite] Ou Yang (1999)
[var: Jadeite] Ou Yang (1999)
[var: Jadeite] Ou Yang (1999)
      • Mohnyin Township (Moe Hnyin Township)
[var: Jadeite] Ou Yang (1999)
  • Sagaing Region
    • Hkamti District
      • Hkamti Township (Khamti Township)
        • Nansibon mining district
[var: Jadeite] Ou Yang (1999)
[var: Jadeite] Ou Yang (1999)
Russia
 
  • Krasnoyarsk Krai
    • Western Sayan range
[var: Jadeite] Spiridonov (1998)
  • Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug
    • Priuralsky District
      • Kharp
[var: Jadeite] Yushkin (1996)
Switzerland
 
  • Grisons
    • Bernina Region
      • Poschiavo
        • Selva
[var: Nephrite] Nichol and Giess (2005)
Taiwan
 
  • Taiwan Province
    • Hualien County
[var: Nephrite] Adams and Beck (2009)
Turkey
 
  • Bursa Province
[var: Jadeite] Okay (2002)
USA
 
  • California
    • Monterey County
      • Santa Lucia Mts (Santa Lucia Range)
        • Los Burros Mining District
          • Plaskett
            • Cape San Martin
              • Jade Cove
[var: Nephrite] Paradise (1985)
  • Wyoming
    • Fremont County
[var: Nephrite] Ward (1999)
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