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Jadeite is a pyroxene mineral with composition NaAlSi2O6. 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 is derived (via French: l'ejade and Latin: ilia from the Spanish phrase "piedra de ijada" which means "stone of the side." It was believed to cure kidney stones if it was rubbed against the side of the afflicted person's body. Jadeite is formed in metamorphic rocks under high pressure and relatively low temperature conditions. Jadeite is one of the minerals recognized as the gemstone jade. The other is nephrite. Jadeite from the Motagua Valley, Guatemala, was used by the Olmec and Maya peoples, as well as the indigenous peoples of Costa Rica. Typically, the most highly valued colors of jadeite are the most intensely green, translucent varieties. (source: Wikipedia) Photo by Michael Marcotte (Specimen on display at the Museum of Natural History in New York) Return to List Back to Michael's Hobbies page Back to Michael Marcotte's HomePage