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Jadeite

Big Photo

Russian River, Cloverdale, Mendocino Co., California, USA
© Rob Lavinsky

Show Jadeite Photos (7)
Formula:
Na(Al,Fe
3+
 
)[Si
 
2
O
 
6
]
System:MonoclinicColour:apple-green, greenish ...
Hardness:6


Pyroxene Group - Clinopyroxene Subgroup.

Classification of Jadeite

IMA status:Approved
Strunz 8th edition ID:8/F.01-130
Nickel-Strunz 10th (pending) edition ID:9.DA.25

9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
D : Inosilicates
A : Inosilicates with 2-periodic single chains, Si2O6; pyroxene family
Dana 8th edition ID:65.1.3c.1

65 : INOSILICATES Single-Width,Unbranched Chains,(W=1)
1 : Single-Width Unbranched Chains, W=1 with chains P=2
Hey's CIM Ref.:16.2.10

16 : Silicates Containing Aluminum and other Metals
2 : Aluminosilicates of Na
mindat.org URL:http://www.mindat.org/min-2062.html
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Type Occurrence of Jadeite

Type Locality:Burma (Myanmar)
Year of Discovery:1863

Physical Properties of Jadeite

Colour:apple-green, greenish white, purplish blue, blue-green
Streak:white
Hardness (Mohs):6
Cleavage:Distinct/Good

Crystallography of Jadeite

Crystal System:Monoclinic
Cell Parameters:a = 9.43Å, b = 8.57Å, c = 5.22Å
β = 107.58°
Ratio:a:b:c = 1.1 : 1 : 0.609
Unit Cell Volume:V 402.15 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Crystal Atlas:
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Jadeite - Tabular {100}
Jadeite - Prismatic {110}

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X-Ray Powder Diffraction:
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Radiation - Copper Kα
Data Set:
Horizontal Axis: ° to ° Vertical Axis: % Source Data: Filtered Data: Peaks:
Data courtesy of RRUFF project at University of Arizona, used with permission.

Optical Data of Jadeite

Type:Biaxial (+)
RI values: nα = 1.654 - 1.673 nβ = 1.659 - 1.679 nγ = 1.667 - 1.693
2V:Measured: 70° to 80°, Calculated: 68° to 78°
Maximum Birefringence:δ = 0.013 - 0.020

Chart shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness) and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:Moderate
Dispersion:r < v

Chemical Properties of Jadeite

Formula:
Na(Al,Fe
3+
 
)[Si
 
2
O
 
6
]
Essential elements:Al, Na, O, Si
All elements listed in formula:Al, Fe, Na, O, Si
Common Impurities:Ti,Mn,Mg,Ca,K,H2O

Relationship of Jadeite to other Species

Related Minerals - Nickel-Strunz Grouping):
9.DA.05Donpeacorite
(Mn
2+
 
,Mg)Mg[SiO
 
3
]
 
2
9.DA.05Enstatite
Mg
 
2
[SiO
 
3
]
 
2
9.DA.05Ferrosilite
Fe
 
2
[SiO
 
3
]
 
2
9.DA.05Akimotoite
(Mg,Fe
2+
 
)SiO
 
3
9.DA.10Clinoenstatite
Mg
 
2
[Si
 
2
O
 
6
]
9.DA.10Clinoferrosilite
Fe
2+
 
(Fe
2+
 
,Mg)[Si
 
2
O
 
6
]
9.DA.10Kanoite
Mn
2+
 
(Mg,Mn
2+
 
)[Si
 
2
O
 
6
]
9.DA.10Pigeonite
(Mg,Fe
2+
 
,Ca)(Mg,Fe
2+
 
)[Si
 
2
O
 
6
]
9.DA.15Augite
(Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe
2+
 
,Al,Fe
3+
 
,Ti)[(Si,Al)
 
2
O
 
6
]
9.DA.15Diopside
CaMg[Si
 
2
O
 
6
]
9.DA.15Esseneite
CaFe
3+
 
[AlSiO
 
6
]
9.DA.15Hedenbergite
CaFe
2+
 
[Si
 
2
O
 
6
]
9.DA.15Johannsenite
CaMn
2+
 
[Si
 
2
O
 
6
]
9.DA.15Petedunnite
Ca(Zn,Mn
2+
 
,Mg,Fe
2+
 
)[Si
 
2
O
 
6
]
9.DA.20Aegirine-augite
(Na,Ca)(Fe,Fe,Mg,Al)Si
 
2
O
 
6
9.DA.20Omphacite
(Ca,Na)(Mg,Al)[Si
 
2
O
 
6
]
9.DA.25Aegirine
NaFe
3+
 
[Si
 
2
O
 
6
]
9.DA.25Jervisite
(Na,Ca,Fe
2+
 
)(Sc,Mg,Fe
2+
 
)[Si
 
2
O
 
6
]
9.DA.25Kosmochlor
NaCr[Si
 
2
O
 
6
]
9.DA.25Namansilite
NaMn
3+
 
[Si
 
2
O
 
6
]
9.DA.25Natalyite
Na(V
3+
 
,Cr)[Si
 
2
O
 
6
]
9.DA.30Spodumene
LiAl[Si
 
2
O
 
6
]
Related Minerals - Hey's Index Grouping:
16.2.1Albite
Na[AlSi
 
3
O
 
8
]
16.2.2Analcime
Na
 
2
[Al
 
2
Si
 
4
O
 
12
] · 2H
 
2
O
16.2.3Ussingite
Na
 
2
AlSi
 
3
O
 
8
OH
16.2.4Paragonite
NaAl
 
2
[(OH)
 
2
|AlSi
 
3
O
 
10
]
16.2.5Natrolite
Na
 
2
[Al
 
2
Si
 
3
O
 
10
] · 2H
 
2
O
16.2.6Tetranatrolite
16.2.7Paranatrolite
Na
 
2
Al
 
2
Si
 
3
O
 
10
·3H
 
2
O
16.2.8Ephesite
NaLiAl
 
2
[(OH)
 
2
|Al
 
2
Si
 
2
O
 
10
]
16.2.9Rectorite
(Na,Ca)Al
 
4
(Si,Al)
 
8
O
 
20
(OH)
 
4
·2H
 
2
O
16.2.11Brammallite
Na
 
0.65
Al
 
2.0
ٱAl
 
0.65
Si
 
3.35
O
 
10
(OH)
 
2

Other Names for Jadeite

Synonyms:
Yunnan Jade
French names:
Agate verdâtre
German names:
JadeitNatronjadeit
Russian names:
Жадеит
Spanish names:
Jadeita
Varieties:
ChromojadeiteSoda JadeiteTitanian Jadeite

Other Information

Health Warning:No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.

References for Jadeite

Reference List:Prewitt, C.T. & Charles Wilson Burnham (1964), Crystal structure of jadeite, NaAlSi2O6 (abstract): Geological Society of America Program, Miami, Florida, meeting: 156, November 1964.

Prewitt, C.T. & Charles Wilson Burnham (1966), The crystal structure of jadeite, NaAlSi2O6. American Mineralogist: 51: 956-975.

Clark, J.R., D.E. Appleman, and J.J. Papike (1969) Crystal-chemical characterization of clinopyroxenes based on eight new structure refinements. MSA Special Paper 2: 31-50.

Cameron, M., S. Shigeho, C.T. Prewitt & J.J. Papike (1973), High temperature crystal chemistry of acmite, diopside, hedenbergite, jadeite, spodumene and ureyite: American Mineralogist: 58: 594-618.

Rossi, G., Smith, D.C., Ungaretti, L., and Domeneghetti, M.C. (1983) Crystal-chemistry and cation ordering in the system diopside-jadeite: a detailed study by crystal structure refinement. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology: 83: 247-258.

Canadian Mineralogist (1989): 27: 143.

Internet Links for Jadeite

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  • Raman and XRD data at RRUFF project
  • American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database
  • Search for Jadeite in the Natural History Museum (London) online catalogue
  • Jadeite details from Handbook of Mineralogy (PDF)
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    Localities for Jadeite

    Hide Locality List
    The map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.
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    (TL) indicates type locality. ? indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality. All other localities listed without reference should be considered as uncertain and unproven until references can be found.
    Brazil
     
    • Northeast Region
      • Pernambuco
        • São Pedro and São Paulo archipel
    		Washington, H.S. (1929) The American Mineralogist, 14, 369-372.
    • Southeast Region
      • Minas Gerais
    		Chris D. Parkinson et al. , " Ultrahigh-pressure pyrope-kyanite granulites and associated eclogites in Neoproterozoic nappes of southeast Brazil", 2001, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, http://akmotoki.tripod.com/2001/Waseda/Cdp.html
    Chris D. Parkinson et al. , " Ultrahigh-pressure pyrope-kyanite granulites and associated eclogites in Neoproterozoic nappes of southeast Brazil", 2001, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, http://akmotoki.tripod.com/2001/Waseda/Cdp.html
    Burma (Myanmar)
    C.R.Acad.Sci.Paris (1863) 56, 861
    C.R.Acad.Sci.Paris (1863) 56, 861
    • Kachin State
      • Myitkyina-Mogaung District
        • Phakant (Hpakan; Hpakant; Phakan)
    • Mandalay Division
      • Sagaing District
        • Mogok
    		No reference listed
    Canada
     
    • Newfoundland and Labrador
      • Labrador
    • Québec
      • Grenville Province
    		C. Lemanski, Jr. (re-entry of lost Mindat data).
    China
     
    • Anhui Province
      • Anqing Prefecture
        • Qianshan Co.
    		American Mineralogist, Volume 87, pages 875-881, 2002, KAI YE et al. "Ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) low-Al titanites from carbonate-bearing rocks in Dabieshan-Sulu UHP terrane, eastern China".
        • Susong Co.
    		www.scienceinchina.com/ky/0008/ky0748.pdf.
        • Yuexi Co.
          • Wumiao
    		A.I. Okay et al. , Eur. J. Mineral. , 1989, 1, pp. 595-598.
            • Marble quarry
      • Lu'an Prefecture
        • Shou Co.
    		Am. Min. , V 90, pp. 801-813, 2005 / Journal of Petrology, June 2004, V 45, N° 6, pp. 1125-1145.
    • Jiangsu Province
      • Lianyungang Prefecture
        • Donghai Co.
    		Oberti, R., Boiocchi, M., and Smith, D.C. (2003): Mineralogical Magazine 67(4), 769-782.
    • Xinjiang (Xinjiang-Uygur) Autonomous Region
      • Bayin'gholin (Bayingolin; Bayinguoleng) Autonomous Prefecture
        • Ruoqiang (Qakilik; Chaqiliq) Co.
          • Yinggelisayi area
    		Zhang Anda, Liu Liang, Sun Yong, Chen Danling, Wang Yan, and Luo Jinhai (2004): Chinese Science Bulletin 49(23), 2527-2532.
      • Yili Hasake (Ili Kazakh) Autonomous Prefecture
    		Wei Lin and Masaki Enami (2006): Island Arc 15(4), 483-502.
    France
     
    • Pays de Loire
    		www.scienceinchina.com/ky/0008/ky0748.pdf.
    • Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
      • Hautes-Alpes
        • Guillestre
          • Château Queyras
    Germany
     
    • Saxony
      • Erzgebirge
        • Pockau
          • Forchheim
    		Massonne, H.-J. & Nasdala, L. (2003): American Mineralogist (2003), 88, 883-889
    Greece
     
    • Aegean Islands (Aiyaíon) Department
      • Kykládes Prefecture
        • Cyclade Islands (Cyclades; Kikladhes; Nomos Kikladhon)
          • Sifnos Island
    		Eur. J. Mineral. , 1992, 4, pp. 619-634.
    Eur. J. Mineral. , 1992, 4, pp. 619-634.
    • Peloponnese (Peloponnisos) Department
      • Lakonia (Laconia) Prefecture
    		Eur. J. Mineral. , 1991, 3, pp. 343-366.
    Guatemala
     
    • Jalapa Department
    • Motagua Valley
    Indonesia
     
    • Papua Province (Irian Jaya Province)
      • West Irian Jaya
    		[var: Chromojadeite] www.websters-dictionary-online.org/definition/english/as/astridite.html
    Italy
     
    • Aosta Valley
      • Nus
        • Saint-Barthélemy
    		• Barresi, A.A., Kolitsch, U., Ciriotti, M.E., Ambrino, P., Bracco, R., Bonacina, E. (2005): La miniera di manganese di Varenche (Aosta, Italia nord-occidentale): ardennite, arseniopleite, manganberzeliite, pirofanite, sarkinite, thortveitite, nuovo As-Sc-analogo della metavariscite e altre specie. Micro (località), 2/2005, 81-122.
      • Pont Saint-Martin
    		Ch. Robert et al. , Bull. Minéral. , 1985, 108, pp. 699-711.
      • Saint-Marcel
    		Kienast, J.R. & Martin, S. (1983): I pirosseni egirin-giadeitici del livello basale di Praborna, Alpi occidentali. Ofioliti, 8(2), 245-260.
    • Liguria
      • Genova Province
        • Genova
          • Varenna Valley
    		Antofilli, Borgo, Palenzona, 1985. I nostri minerali. Geologia e mineralogia in Liguria. Edizioni Melita, La Spezia.
    Antofilli, Borgo, Palenzona, 1985. I nostri minerali. Geologia e mineralogia in Liguria. Edizioni Melita, La Spezia.
    • Piedmont
      • Cuneo Province
        • Dora Maira Massif
          • Varaita Valley
    		R. Lefèvre and A. Michard, Bull. Soc. Franç. Minér. Crist., 1965, LXXXVIII, pp. 664-677.
    T. Hirajima and R. Compagnoni : "Petrology of a jadeite-quartz-almandine-phengite fels with retrograde ferro-nyböite from the Dora-Maira Massif, Western Alps", Eur. Journ. Mineral., 1993, 5, pp 943-955.
    http://www.ngu.no/FileArchive/165/2003_055.pdf Geological Survey of Norway / The Alice Wain Memorial West Norway Eclogite Field Symposium / Abstract Volume p. 37.
        • Maira Valley
    		Piccoli, G. C., Maletto, G., Bosio, P., & Lombardo, B. (2007). Minerali del Piemonte e della Valle d'Aosta. Associazione Amici del Museo F. Eusebio - Alba, 607 pag.
        • Varaita Valley
          • Bellino
    		R. Lefèvre and A. Michard, Bull. Soc. Franç. Minér. Crist., 1965, LXXXVIII, pp. 664-677.
      • Torino Province
        • Sesia-Lanzo zone
          • Cuorgnè
    		Ch. Robert et al. , Bull. Minéral. , 1985, 108, pp. 699-711.
          • Lanzo Valley
            • Lanzo Massif
              • Balangero - Corio area
                • Malone Valley
    		Eur. J. Mineral. , 1989, 1, pp. 89-104.
    Eur. J. Mineral (1989): 1: 89-104.
            • Rocca Canavese
              • Orco Valley
    		Eur. J. Mineral. , 1989, 1, pp. 89-104.
    Eur. J. Mineral. , 1989, 1, pp. 89-104.
              • Soana valley
    		Eur. J. Mineral (1989): 1: 89-104.
    Eur. J. Mineral. , 1989, 1, pp. 89-104.
    Japan
     
    • Honshu Island
      • Chubu Region
        • Niigata Prefecture
    		[var: Titanian Jadeite] [MinRec 33:168]
    Lapis (2003): (1), 50.
            • Ohmi
    		Miyajima et al. (2001) Mineralogical Magazine 65, 111-120; Miyajima et al. (1999) Mineralogical Magazine 63, 909-916.
      • Chugoku region
        • Okayama prefecture
          • Ohsa-cho
    • Kyushu Island
      • Kumamoto Prefecture
        • Yatsushiro City
    		Saito, M. & Miyazaki, K. (2006) Bulletin of the Geological Survey of Japan, 57, #5-6.
    • Shikoku Island
      • Kochi Prefecture
        • Kochi City
    		Fossa Magna Museum, Itoigawa city (map and poster display)
    Kazakhstan
     
    [MinRec 32:42]
    Norway
     
    • Sogn og Fjordane
      • Selje
    Pacific Ocean
     
    • East Pacific Rise
    		Contr. Min. Petr. (1998) 131, (2-3), 111 - 122.
    Russia
     
    • Eastern-Siberian Region
      • Khakassia Republic (Khakassy Republic; Khakassiya Republic)
      • Saha Republic (Sakha Republic; Yakutia)
    		[World of Stones 12:49]
    • Western-Siberian Region
      • Tyumenskaya Oblast'
        • Polar Urals
    		[MinRec 32:42]
          • Kharp
    Slovakia
     
    • Banská Bystrica Region
      • Western Slovenské Rudohorie Mts
    		Koděra et all.,1990: Topografická mineralógia Slovenska, I-III, 1590p
    • Košice Region
      • Eastern Slovenské Rudohorie Mts
    		Koděra, M. et al., 1986 a 1990 : Topografická mineralógia Slovenska, diel 1- 3, Veda – Vydavateľstvo SAV, Bratislava, 1990, 1 – 1590k
    Spain
     
    • Galicia
      • A Coruña (La Coruña)
        • Malpica
          • La Pioza
    		J.I. Gil Ibarguchi, Eur. Journ. Mineral. , 1995, 7, pp. 403-415.
    Switzerland
     
    • Wallis (Valais)
    		American Mineralogist, Volume 90, pages 821–835, 2005
        • Saas Valley
          • Saas Almagell
    		Christian Bracke Collection
    USA
     
    • California
        • Cloverdale
    		www.mineralsocal.org
      • Monterey Co.
        • Big Sur
          • Cape San Martin
    		www.mineralsocal.org
      • San Benito Co.
        • New Idria District
    		T. Tsujimori et al., Paper N° 21-6, The Geological Society of America, Joint Meeting Cordilleran Section and Pacific Section, 101st Annual Meeting, 29 April-1 May 2005, San Jose, California.
    www.mineralsocal.org
      • Santa Clara Co.
        • Diablo Range
      • Sonoma Co.
    		Harvard Museum of Natural History, no.124675
    A Listing of North Carolina Minerals- Leonard S. Wiener and Sigrid Ballew-1995
      • Mitchell Co.
        • Cane Creek Section
    		Thetmobarometry of Eclogites from the Eastern Blue Ridge North Carolina,Paper No.105-0,Essene,E.J,Mukasa, S.B.University of Michigan
    • Oklahoma
    		Jay Ellis Ransom,1974,Gems and Minerals of America
    Jay Ellis Ransom,1974,Gems and Minerals of America
    • South Dakota
    		Jay Ellis Ransom,1974, Gems and Minerals of America
    • Washington
      • Skagit Co.
    		www.stonetrails.com
        • Mount Vernon
    		Rocks & Min.: 14:112-113.
      • Snohomish Co.
    		Minerals of Washington, Bart Cannon, 1975
    Uzbekistan
     
    • Buxoro (Bukhara) Viloyati
    		www.meteoriticalsociety.org/bulletin/mb89preview.pdf.
    Mineral and/or Locality
    Google
     
    www.mindat.org Web
    Copyright © Jolyon & Ida Ralph 1993-2008. Site Map. Locality, mineral & photograph data are the copyright of the individuals who submitted them.Further information contact the Site hosted & developed by Jolyon Ralph. Mindat.org is an online information resource dedicated to providing free mineralogical information to all. Mindat relies on the contributions of hundreds of members and supporters. If you would like to add information to improve the quality of our database, then click here to register.