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A microcrystalline gem variety of jadeite or nephrite (actinolite) with a
toughness (resistance to breakage) exceeded only by that of carbonado
diamond; ranges from nearly white to emerald-green, the latter being the
most valuable; finest quality is reported to come from northern Burma
(Myanmar) and the Yunnan Province of south China. The emerald-green color
is attributed to jadeite and to trace amounts of chromium. There are many
imitations of jade, including green-dyed onyx (Mexican jade), aventurine
quartz containing fuchsite mica (Indian jade), vesuvianite (California
jade), green hydrogrossular from South Africa, green organic or inorganic
dyes or substitutes inserted under white jade, glass, dyed quartz, and
bowenite or williamsite varieties of serpentine. "Jade cat's-eye" is a
contradiction in terms. See: jadeite; nephrite; toughness.
Source:
Dictionary of Mining, Mineral, and Related Terms
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