jadeite

[ jey-dahyt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a mineral, essentially sodium aluminum silicate, NaAlSi 2 O 6 , usually fibrous, occurring in compact masses, whitish to dark green: a form of jade.

jadeite

/ ˈdʒeɪdaɪt /

a usually green or white mineral of the clinopyroxene group, found in igneous and metamorphic rocks. It is used as a gemstone (jade). Composition: sodium aluminium silicate. Formula: NaAlSi 2 O 6 . Crystal structure: monoclinic

jadeite

/ jād′īt′ /

A rare, usually green mineral of the pyroxene group. Jadeite can also occur in white, auburn, buff, or violet varieties. The most highly valued form of jade consists of jadeite. Chemical formula: NaAlSi 2 O 6 .

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Origin of jadeite¹

First recorded in 1860–65; jade ¹ + -ite ¹

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How does jadeite compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Beside the commoner minerals five to eight per cent of implements made of nephritoids (nephrite, jadeite, and chloromelanite).

Ornaments in the form of human and animal faces and heads nicely cut from jadeite and greenstone are not uncommon.

Close to the pots were found a small jadeite face and three greenstone beads or pendants.

She smiled: "Jadeite, of course; and lapis and crystals—the usual."

The principal jades belong, however, to one or the other of two species, jadeite and nephrite.

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