GEMSTONE SPECIES - INORGANIC

Jade’s toughness is among the highest of all natural minerals, especially nephrite, which has a fibrous structure. Imperial jadeite (deep emerald green, translucent) is one of the most valuable gemstones in the world, rivaling diamonds. Demand remains high in Asian markets, especially in China, making jade an important stone in the luxury jewelry trade.
Jade usually originates deep within subduction zones under metamorphic conditions of high pressure and low temperature. Although they require strong geological pressures, jadeite and nephrite, two forms of jade, originate in rather distinct geologic environments.

Three Types of Jade: Although both are called "jade," jadeite and nephrite are completely different minerals with distinct compositions, structures, and qualities. But the precious Imperial Jade.

1, IMPERIAL JADE
Features --> Top-quality variety of jadeite, rich emerald-green
Transparency --> highly translucent

Composition --> Coloured by chromium, which gives it its vivid green hue  
2. Jadeite
Features --> Rare, vivid colours, higher value
Composition --> Sodium aluminum silicate
 Texture --> Granular, crystalline
Transparency --> often translucent
Luster--> Vitreous to greasy
3. Nephrite
Features --> Common, more durable, softer luster
Composition --> Calcium, magnesium, iron, silicate
Texture --> Fibrous, interlocking crystal structure
Transparency -->  Usually opaque to translucent
Luster --> Waxy to silky

COLOURS:
Colours in jade are usually allochromatic, caused by trace elements:
Chromium --> green
Iron --> brown/green/black
Manganese --> lavender
Jadeite --> More varied and vibrant – emerald green (Imperial Jade), lavender, pink, orange, white, black
Nephrite --> More limited – creamy white (“mutton fat jade”), various greens, brown, black

GEOLOGICAL CONDITION FOR JADEITE & NEPHRITE:
Formation of Jadeite
-> High pressure
--> Relatively low temperature
--> Presence of sodium-rich fluids
--> Rock Type: Forms from altered igneous rocks (like basalt) and serpentinites
--> Mineral Association: Often found with albite, glaucophane, and other blueschist facies minerals
Formation of Nephrite
--> Moderate pressure and temperature during regional metamorphism
--> Formation through metasomatism, chemical alteration by hydrothermal fluids
--> Rock Type: Amphibolite facies metamorphic rocks

GLOBAL JADE FORMATION ZONES:
Jadeite: Myanmar (Burma), Guatemala, Japan, Kazakhstan
Nephrite: China, New Zealand, Canada (British Columbia), Russia (Siberia), USA (California, Wyoming, Alaska)

COMMON TREATMENTS:
--> Bleaching and polymer impregnation (especially in jadeite) to improve clarity and colour should be disclosed
--> Dyeing for enhanced or artificial colour