Properties of Jadeite

Jadeite is a rare and highly valued mineral that belongs to the pyroxene group. It is one of the two distinct minerals commonly referred to as jade, the other being nephrite.

Image of jadeite mineral
Credit: Ralph Bottrill, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The following table provides a comprehensive list of jadeite properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).

Note: click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.

Table of Jadeite Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Chemical FormulaNa(Al,Fe)Si2O6
Molar Mass202.139 g/mol
Crystal SystemMonoclinic
Mohs Hardness6 - 6.5
Density3240 - 3430 kg/m3
ColorGreen, white, pale bluish gray, grayish green, or pale purple
DiaphaneityTranslucent
LusterVitreous (glassy), pearly
Cleavage(110) good
FractureTough
StreakWhite

Note: unless stated otherwise, all values are taken at room temperature (approximately 20°C or 68°F) and 1 atm pressure. (1 atm = 101,325 Pa)

Related Pages
References: 1) Cardarelli, François. Materials Handbook: A Concise Desktop Reference. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2018. 2) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition. United Kingdom: CRC Press, 2016-2017.