Jadeite

Jadeite is a pyroxene mineral. It is monoclinic. It has a Mohs hardness of about 6.5 to 7.0 depending on the composition. The mineral is dense, with a specific gravity of about 3.4.

The name jadeite derived from the Spanish phrase «piedra de ijada» which means «stone of the side». It believed to cure kidney stones if it rubbed against the side of the afflicted person’s body. The Latin version of the name, lapis nephriticus, is the origin of the term nephrite.

Jadeite’s color commonly ranges from white through pale apple green to deep jade green but can also be blue-green, pink, lavender and a multitude of other rare colors. Color largely affected by the presence of trace elements such as chromium and iron. Its translucence can be anywhere from entirely solid through opaque to almost clear. Variations in color and translucence often found even within a single specimen.