monoclinic Inosilicates
Jadeite (Prismatic Crystal)
Formula NaAlSi2O6
Crystal Structure
#! Species: Jadeite
#! System: Monoclinic (2/m)
#! Habit: Prismatic monoclinic crystal
monoclinic[2/m]:{110}@1.0 + {010}@0.8 + {100}@0.6 + {001}@0.9
monoclinic
2/m
{110} {010} {100} {001}
Quick Facts
Hardness
6.5
Specific Gravity
3.25
Refractive Index
1.654
Optical Character
Biaxial +
Physical Properties
- Crystal System
- monoclinic
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 6.5
- Specific Gravity
- 3.25
- Cleavage
- Good {110} at ~87°
- Fracture
- Splintery (tough due to interlocking fibrous texture)
- Lustre
- Vitreous to greasy
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.654
- Birefringence
- 0.013
- Optical Character
- Biaxial +
- Dispersion
- 0.012
Characteristics
Colours
Imperial greenLavenderWhiteYellowOrangeBlack
Localities
Myanmar (Burma)GuatemalaJapanRussiaUSA (California)
Common Inclusions
Fibrous interlocking textureBlack chromite spots (in green)Fracture fillings
Known Treatments
Polymer impregnation (B jade)Dyeing (C jade)Wax treatment (traditional)
Crystal Forms
prismpinacoid
Diagnostic Features
Interlocking granular texture; high toughness; higher SG and RI than nephrite; absorption at 437nm
Related Minerals
Other minerals in the monoclinic system
