Where is Jadeite found?

Jadeite occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.

Where to find Jadeite

Collecting tips

1. Geological Context. Focus on areas known for high-pressure, low-temperature metamorphic rocks, especially blueschist and eclogite facies, and serpentinite belts. Jadeite is often found in association with serpentine, glaucophane, lawsonite, and omphacite.
2. River Gravels and Alluvial Deposits. Many significant jadeite deposits are found as alluvial boulders and pebbles in riverbeds, having been eroded from their primary sources. Look for dense, smooth, often water-worn stones.
3. Density Test. Jadeite has a relatively high specific gravity (3.30-3.38). If you find a suspected piece, its weight will feel surprisingly heavy for its size compared to common rocks.
4. Hardness and Toughness. While its hardness (6.5-7 on Mohs scale) is moderate, its exceptional toughness means it is very difficult to break or chip. This can be a distinguishing feature from softer look-alikes.
5. Visual Inspection. Look for characteristic colors and a fine-grained, often translucent to opaque texture. The 'orange peel' texture on polished surfaces can be indicative of jadeite's interlocking granular structure.
6. Distinguishing from Nephrite. Jadeite is generally harder (6.5-7 vs. 6-6.5 for nephrite) and has a higher specific gravity (3.30-3.38 vs. 2.90-3.03). Jadeite also tends to have a more vibrant color range and a finer, more granular texture compared to nephrite's often fibrous, splintery appearance.

Quick Check

Color:

Variable (white, green, lavender, black, etc.)

Luster:

Vitreous to greasy

Streak:

White

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