Jadeite (NaAlSi₂O₆) is the sodium-aluminum pyroxene and one of the two distinct minerals sold as “jade” (the other being nephrite, an amphibole). Imperial green Jadeite from Myanmar (Burma) is the world’s most valuable jade material. Jadeite forms in high-pressure low-temperature metamorphic environments — subducted oceanic crust and serpentinite-hosted blocks.
Key Facts
- Mohs hardness 6.5–7.
- Monoclinic; tough microcrystalline aggregates rather than discrete crystals.
- Highest-pressure clinopyroxene; forms in subduction-zone metamorphism.
- Imperial green coloration from chromium substitution; “Olmec blue” from iron.
- Treasured in East Asian decorative arts for >3,000 years.
Notable Localities
Hpakant (Myanmar) is the world’s premier source. Motagua Valley (Guatemala) and California (Clear Creek) yield additional gem material. Burmese jadeite long traded into China via Yunnan border markets.
Found at these Localities
- Mogok Stone Tract (抹谷宝石产地)
- Yunnan (云南)
