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Jadeitite
Jade or Neprite - what is difference?
(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
An ornamental stone, jade is a name applied to two different silicate minerals. Nephrite is a form of the amphibole
actinolite (a mineral that also includes a form of asbestos). The second, the mineral jadeite, is a pyroxene. Nephrite
has the formula Ca2(Mg, Fe)5Si8O22(OH)2. Jadeite has the formula NaAlSi2O6. The two are quite similar in
appearance and it wasn't until 1863 that the two forms of this gemstone were distinguished.
It is an exceptionally tough material, and was first used for things such as axe heads, knives, and weapons. Later, as
other materials could replace jade as a weapons material, it became appreciated for its beauty. Jade has a Mohs
hardness of between 6.5 and 7.0 [1].
Nephrite can be found in a creamy white form as well as a green color, while jadeite shows more color variation. Of
the two, jadeite is rarer, and is the form of jade mostly used in Central America. Nephrite jade was used mostly in
China, Myanmar and New Zealand.
Jade is the official gemstone of British Columbia, where it is found in large deposits in the Lillooet and Cassiar
regions.
In Asian culture, wearing jade is considered to bring good luck.
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