 | Jadeite is a pyroxene mineral with composition NaAlSi2O6. It is monoclinic and has a Mohs hardness of about 6.5 to 7.0 depending on the composition. The Latin version of the name, lapis nephriticus, is the origin of the term nephrite, another variety of jade. Jadeite is formed in metamorphic rocks under high pressure and relatively low temperature. In all well-documented occurrences, jadeitite appears to have formed from subduction zone fluids in association with serpentinite. Jadeite from the Motagua Valley, Guatemala, was used by the Olmec and Maya, as well as the indigenous peoples of Costa Rica. |  Typically, the most highly valued colors of jadeite are the most intensely green, translucent varieties, though traditionally white has been considered the most valuable of the jades by the Chinese. |
 Natural Icy Imperial Emerald Green Jadeite Dragon's Fang Pendant 16 carats. | Top-quality jadeite is very rare. Vivid, sleek, and translucent, magnificent jadeite commands some of the highest prices among gems in today’s international market. Jadeite’s three most important qualities, in order of their impact on its market value, are color, transparency, and texture. The finest-quality jadeite is known as Imperial jade. The royal court of China once had a standing order for all available material of this kind, and it’s one of the world’s most expensive gems. | 
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 A jadeite snuff bottle, 1780–1880. It sold for HK$ 1.5 million | Jadeite’s transparency ranges from opaque to semitransparent. The best jadeite is semitransparent. The finest-quality jadeite is usually cut into cabochons. Jadeite and diamond pendant £180k |  |
 A pair of jadeite and diamond ear pendants. Est HK$3,800,000-5,800,000 ($480,000-750,000) |  Jadeite ring. Est ($3,500,000-4,800,000) |  |
 Art-deco jadeite, enamel, gem-set and diamond brooch from Cartier, circa 1927. HK$7,000,000-8,000,000 |  Jadite Bangle. HK$6,000,000 – HK$8,000,000 ($777,816 - $1,037,088) |  |
