Jade

Real mineral · rare · NaAlSi₂O₆ (jadeite) / Ca₂(Mg,Fe)₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂ (nephrite)

A term covering two distinct minerals: jadeite, a sodium aluminium pyroxene, and nephrite, a calcium magnesium amphibole. Both form under high-pressure metamorphic conditions in subduction zones.

Identity

Formula
NaAlSi₂O₆ (jadeite) / Ca₂(Mg,Fe)₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂ (nephrite)
Chemical class
silicate
Mineral group
Aegirine, Diopside, Enstatite, Hiddenite, Kunzite
Also known as
Jadeite, Nephrite, Yu (Chinese)

Crystallography

Crystal system
monoclinic
Habits
massive, granular
Fracture
splintery

Physical properties

Mohs hardness
7
Density
3.34 g/cm³
Luster
waxy, vitreous
Colors
green, dark green, white, lavender, yellow, black
Streak
white
Transparency
translucent, opaque

Geology

Origins
metamorphic
Host rocks
serpentinite, blueschist
Associated minerals
Serpentine, Chlorite, Albite
Geography
Myanmar, China, Guatemala, Russia, Canada

Classification

Rarity
rare
Gem quality
Yes

Arcane properties

Affinity
life, earth
Effects
healing, warding
Planar origin
Material Plane

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