How to understand that a stone is jade?
Jade is a jewelry and semi-precious stone, less commonly used as a decorative collectible geological material. Jade is a rock of metasomatic origin with a cryptocrystalline (hidden fibrous) structure. It has a significantly amphibole mineral composition (more than 85%), represented mainly by minerals of the tremolite–actinolite series. The mineral composition of jade often contains other minerals, which can account for up to 15%. Among these minerals are silicates (talc, serpentine, diopside, titanite, zoisite, minerals of the epidote supergroup, minerals of the chlorite group and others), carbonates (calcite, dolomite), oxides (magnetite, chrome spinels), as well as graphite. Some researchers, based on the common mineral composition and physical properties, classify the jewelry and ornamental stone dianite as jade, which is not entirely correct, since the main rock-forming mineral of dianite is richterite.
The name is jade (Greek word “kidney»-«bud“) was introduced into use by the French naturalist and mineralogist Alexis Damour (Augustin Alexis Damour; 1808-1902), who first established that jewelry and ornamental stones, united by the term “jades” (“ijada stone“), are not homogeneous in mineral composition. He divided these rocks into jadeitites, composed of pyroxene – jadeite, and jades, composed of amphiboles of the series of isomorphic miscibility tremolite-actinolite. Texture: homogeneous, spotted, banded, fluid, other more rare textures are possible; Microtexture: fibroblastic (tangled fibrous, “downy”), parallel fibrous, nematoblastic centric (radial-radiating), nematoblastic, porphyroblastic sheaf-shaped; Color: From white to green and black, with various shades of brown, yellow-brown. The green color is due to the increased content of the actinolite component, as well as the admixture of chromium and vanadium in the rock-forming amphiboles. There are pink-violet colors (mangan-tremolite) as well as blue shades (admixture of alkaline amphiboles – riebeckite, richterite).
Diagnostic properties
| physical properties | |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness: | 5,5-6,5 |
| Density: | 2,90 – 3,32 g/cm 3 |
| Kink: | splintery |
| Optical properties | |
|---|---|
| Optical character: | unit; |
| Refractive index: | 1,600-1,630 |
| Birefringence: | 0,026-0,027, often absent |
| Dichroism: | faint green to brownish-green may be observed |
| Shine: | glass, frosted |
| Transparency: | opaque to translucent |
Characteristic inclusions and structural heterogeneities
Inclusion of chromite in jade (Ulan-Khodinskoe deposit, Buryatia). Viewing mode – reflected light 
Cr-tremolite with talc inclusions (Emerald Mines, Urals). Viewing mode – reflected light 
Crystal of Cr-tremolite in talc slate (Emerald Mines, Urals). Viewing mode – reflected light 
Inclusions of chrome spinel in jade (Ulan-Khodinskoye deposit, Buryatia). Viewing mode – reflected light 
The characteristic surface of jade in a fracture. Viewing mode – reflected light 
Dendrites of iron-manganese hydroxides along microcracks in jade (Buromskoye deposit, Buryatia). Viewing mode – transmitted light
Basic methods of refining
| Upgrading method | Goal |
|---|---|
| Impregnation | Increased transparency |
| Impregnation | Color change |
| Surface painting | Color change |
| Diffusion treatment (thermochemical dyeing) | Color change |
Synthetic analogues and imitations
- glass and ceramic compositions of artificial origin;
- polymer compositions of artificial origin;
- serpentinites;
- amphibolite and chlorite rocks, calciphyres, marble, agalmatolite and other rocks that are not jade, but look like jade;
- quartzites and other essentially quartz rocks, colored in various shades of green.
Characteristic inclusions and structural heterogeneities
Serpentinite. Variety – bowenite. Viewing mode – reflected light
Serpentinite. Variety – bowenite. Viewing mode – reflected light
Serpentinite. Variety – Bowenite. Imitation Jade (Bazhenovskoye deposit, Middle Urals). Viewing mode – reflected light
Jade is an amazing stone .
Nephrite is one of two different mineral forms classified as nephrite (the other being jadeite), and until 1863 nephrite and jade/Jadeite Jade were considered the same mineral.
Nephrite/ Nephrite Jade (it is acceptable to say a type of jadeite) is a fibrous aggregate composition of tremolite-actinolite, a basic calcium magnesium silicate (Ca2 (Mg, Fe 2+) 5 [OHlSi4O11] 2), while jadeite (NaAlSi2O6) is pyroxene.
Jade is more common than jadeite, and although it is slightly softer than jadeite, it is considered tougher due to its denser structure. Valuable precious ornamental stone. Very viscous due to the interweaving of fine-crystalline fibers, and therefore very durable. At the fracture, the surface is uneven with sharp thin edges. Has a waxy sheen on a polished surface at any degree of polishing.
Most jade deposits are located in areas where intrusive igneous rocks intrude into serpentinites. There are rare deposits where jade was formed as a result of the action of magma on magnesium-rich dolomites.
Traditional “Chinese jade” usually refers to jadeite, since there are no real jade deposits in China. Jade differs from jadeite in its lower level of brilliance and transparency. The luster of Jade is more “greasy”, while jadeite is more glassy. Jade is softer than jadeite and can also be distinguished by its lower density (although it is more compact in structure, the specific gravity of jade ranges from 2,90 to 3,03, and jadeite from 3,30 to 3,38).
Completely different green colored gemstones are often passed off as jade – aventurine, serpentine, chrysoprase and others.
One important supplier of jade is New Zealand, where it is commonly found in serpentine rocks and as round pebbles along river banks and sea coasts. Other known jade deposits are in Australia, Brazil, China (Xinjiang), Canada, Russia, Taiwan, Zimbabwe and the USA (Alaska and Wyoming). Jade has also been found in Poland.
Jade is mostly popularized in various shades of green, but it is also very common in light colors ranging from white to gray, yellowish to brownish, almost black and even pink. Single-color stones are quite rare. With a deep and solid green color, jade is considered one of the most valuable.
One way to identify jade from other minerals is by testing its specific gravity. A simple test to distinguish jadeite from jade is the impact test. Jade produces a musical tone, whereas jadeite does not “sing” when struck.
Currently, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan are the leading centers for jade processing and finishing.
The various “jade” trade names used today are considered misleading, as many of them are not actual forms of jade at all.
Jade is especially popular throughout Asia for use in talismans, amulets and especially cameos. Unlike other gemstones, it is not uncommon to find entire pieces of jewelry, such as rings and bracelets, that are entirely cut from a single mass—a single piece of jade.
It is believed that jade is the stone of dreams and it can bless all endeavors. Depending on the actual color of the gemstone, it can have many possibilities. Physically, jade is considered a restorative stone. It is supposed to be very useful for cleansing the body, especially the kidneys, liver and spleen, and helps with joint and bone pain.
Jade in jewelry is ideal for both men and women. It can be “mixed” with other precious stones and combined with gold and silver. Ladies can wear them as pendants, beads or bracelets, charm bracelets, rings, earrings. For men – signets, cufflinks, rosary beads.
In the East, jewelry made from jade and jadeite is even made for small children in the form of bracelets.
Like all stones, jade requires careful care. Although it is considered quite hard, it can be scratched. To clean jade, use regular soapy water and a soft cloth. Be sure to rinse well to remove soap scum.
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Photo of jade stone
 Photo of jade, Russia |  jade specimen, Canada |  Photo of jade, USA |
 Jade in the light, Canada |  Photo of jade stone, USA |  Photo of a jade “nugget”, USA |
 Photo of white jade, Russia |  Photo of jade, Canada |  Photo of jade, Russia |
