Jade (Omphacite Jade)

“The mysterious third jade”

Metamorphic

Omphacite jade is a rare variety of jade composed of the pyroxene mineral omphacite rather than the traditional nephrite (amphibole) or jadeite (pyroxene). Only recently recognized as a distinct jade type, it forms under high-pressure metamorphic conditions similar to eclogite formation.

Composition

omphacite, garnet (minor), rutile, epidote, minor jadeite

Where Found

Guatemala (Motagua Valley), Myanmar, limited occurrences in high-pressure terranes worldwide

Mohs Hardness

6-6.5

Fun Fact

Ancient Mesoamerican civilizations carved ritual objects from omphacite jade without knowing it was chemically different from other jade — modern analysis only distinguished it from jadeite in the 21st century.