Jadeite
The sodium pyroxene of jade, which also forms in the shock veins of meteorites.
Key facts
- Formula
- NaAlSi2O6
- Family
- High-pressure minerals
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
What it is
Jadeite is a pyroxene of sodium and aluminium. On Earth it forms deep underground where rocks are pushed down in subduction zones, at high pressure but modest temperature. Rocks made of interlocking jadeite crystals are true jade.
Where it is found
In meteorites it forms from feldspar in and beside shock veins of strongly shocked ordinary chondrites and in some Martian and lunar meteorites. Its presence helps estimate the peak shock pressure.
How it is recognised
In meteorites it is microscopic and identified by Raman spectroscopy.
Did you know?
Jade from Myanmar is mostly jadeite, while much Chinese jade is a different mineral, nephrite.
Jadeite forms from albite feldspar when the pressure is high enough to squeeze out some of its silica.