Jadeite forms deep within the earth's crust from high pressure and temperature conditions. It is classified as a pyroxene mineral, meaning it contains silicate crystals. Jadeite begins forming when subducting tectonic plates carry oceanic crust down into the mantle of the earth at depths of around 70-120 miles. At these extreme depths, temperatures can reach up to 1100°C.
The oceanic crust contains small amounts of sodium, aluminum, and other trace elements. Under intense heat and pressure, these elements interact with the surrounding silicate material and begin crystallizing into jadeite. The process happens very slowly, over millions of years. As jadeite crystals grow, they incorporate other minor elements like iron, magnesium, and chromium which influence the color of the final jadeite stone. Trace amounts of chromium result in the characteristic green color that jadeite is known for.
Eventually, forces within the earth thrust ancient jadeite deposits back up toward the surface again. This is why jadeite is often found in metamorphic rocks. Tectonic plate movements and the erosion of mountain belts expose jadeite deposits which can then be mined.
The best known source of jadeite is from Guatemala, particularly the Motagua River valley. This jadeite was formed deep in a subduction zone under the Caribbean plate and then pushed up into mountainous areas. Other sources include Japan, Russia, Canada, Italy, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Cuba, and Myanmar.
Jadeite deposits are extremely rare because a precise set of geological conditions have to occur. The oceanic crust has to carry the right chemical mix of minerals down to the right depth where the temperature and pressure are sufficient to crystallize jadeite. And then the jadeite has to make the long, slow journey back up close enough to the earth's surface to be accessible. This unlikely series of events over millions of years is what makes jadeite so scarce and valuable.
Once jadeite is extracted, artisans use their skills to craft it into beautiful jewelry, carvings, and ornamental objects. The best jadeite has an even color distribution and a glowing translucency that resonates beautifully. When polished into cabochons, beads, or other forms, the fine web of interlocking jadeite crystals creates a subtle luminosity unmatched by other gems.
