Difference between revisions of "Jadeite"
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Nick Lombard (talk | contribs) (→Enhancements) |
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| + | Jadeite is made up of interlocking pyroxene crystals. It occurs in a vary wide range of colors like green, lilac, white, pink, brown, red, blue, black, orange and yellow. The most prized color is a rich emerald green and is called Imperial Jade. Its green color is due to its chromium content and can be distinguished with a Chelsea (jadeite) filter. Jadeite is believed to prevent/cure hip and kidney ailments. | ||
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==Enhancements== | ==Enhancements== | ||
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* Bleaching - removes stains | * Bleaching - removes stains | ||
* Polymer impregnation - improves luster and to stabilize piece after bleaching | * Polymer impregnation - improves luster and to stabilize piece after bleaching | ||
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| + | ==Occurrence== | ||
| + | The most important source of jadeite is Myanmar but Guatemala, Japan and the USA (California) are also important sources | ||
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| + | ==Sources consulted== | ||
| + | *Smithsonian Handbooks, Gemstones, Second Edition 2002 | ||
Revision as of 05:34, 5 December 2008
| Jadeite | |
|---|---|
| Chemical composition | NaAl(SiO3)2 |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic |
| Habit | Polycrystalline |
| Fracture | Flintery |
| Hardness | 6.5 -7 |
| Specific gravity | 3.30 - 3.37 |
| Lustre | Greasy to vitreous |
Jadeite is made up of interlocking pyroxene crystals. It occurs in a vary wide range of colors like green, lilac, white, pink, brown, red, blue, black, orange and yellow. The most prized color is a rich emerald green and is called Imperial Jade. Its green color is due to its chromium content and can be distinguished with a Chelsea (jadeite) filter. Jadeite is believed to prevent/cure hip and kidney ailments.
Enhancements
Common enhancements to jadeite:
- Fracture filling - wax - conceal cracks and fractures
- Coatings - wax - to improve luster
- Staining - color improvement through dyes
- Bleaching - removes stains
- Polymer impregnation - improves luster and to stabilize piece after bleaching
Occurrence
The most important source of jadeite is Myanmar but Guatemala, Japan and the USA (California) are also important sources
Sources consulted
- Smithsonian Handbooks, Gemstones, Second Edition 2002
