Jadeite

“The rarer, harder jade”

Metamorphic

Jadeite is a sodium-aluminum pyroxene mineral and one of two minerals called 'jade' (the other being nephrite). It forms under high-pressure, low-temperature conditions in subduction zones and is rarer, harder, and generally more valued than nephrite — especially the vivid green 'imperial jade.'

Composition

sodium aluminum pyroxene (NaAlSi₂O₆), minor kosmochlor, omphacite

Where Found

Kachin State (Myanmar — finest quality), Guatemala, Japan, Kazakhstan, California (USA), Russia

Mohs Hardness

6.5-7

Fun Fact

Top-quality 'imperial jade' from Myanmar can sell for over $3 million per carat — making the finest jadeite more valuable per carat than diamond.