Jadeite

Jadeite is a pyroxene mineral with composition NaAlSi2O6. It is hard (Mohs hardness of about 6.5 to 7.0), very tough and dense, with a specific gravity of about 3.4, and is found in a wide range of colors, most often shades of green or white. It forms only in the subduction zones of continental margins, where rock undergoes metamorphism at high pressure but relatively low temperature. Jadeite is the principal mineral making up the most valuable form of jade, a precious stone particularly prized in China, and most gem-quality jadeite jade comes from northern Myanmar.