Imperial jade is made up of interlocking and granular pyroxene crystals. It is the most prized variety of jadeite jade and has is a rich emerald-green, due to chromium. The stone is opaque to translucent with the latter commanding the highest prices. It is common to find imperial jade with black inclusions. However, the one without them is the most sought after.
Some imperial jade stones are cut as beads. On the other hand, many are carved into bangles, earrings, and pendants.
Occurrence
Imperial jade is found in metamorphic rocks and as alluvial pebbles and boulders. The most important source of jade is Myanmar (Burma), which has supplied China with translucent imperial jade for more than 200 years.
Historically, Guatemala was an important source of imperial jade. It provided the material for the carvings of the Central American Indians. Imperial jade also occurs in Japan and California.
Imperial Jade Properties
- Specific Gravity: 3.33
- Refractive Index: 1.66-1.68
- Birefringence (DR): 0.012
- Luster: Greasy to pearly
- Crystal Structure: Monoclinic
- Composition: Sodium aluminum silicate
- Hardness: 7
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