 | Jadeite is a pyroxene mineral with composition NaAlSi2O6. It is monoclinic and has a Mohs hardness of about 6.5 to 7 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. | 
The most highly valued colors of jadeite are the most intensely green, though white has been considered the most valuable of the jades by the Chinese. |
Jadeite from the Motagua Valley, Guatemala, was used by the Olmec and Maya, as well as the indigenous of Costa Rica. Top quality jadeite is very rare. Vivid, sleek, and translucent, magnificent jadeite commands some of the highest prices among gems.

Natural Icy Imperial Emerald Green Jadeite Dragon's Fang Pendant 16 carats. | Jadeite’s three most important qualities, in order of their impact on 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. | The Hutton-Mdivani Necklace carries 27 matching pure jadeite beads. $27.44m |

Jadeite and diamond pendant £180k | Jadeite’s transparency ranges from opaque to semitransparent. The best jadeite is semitransparent. The finest quality jadeite is usually cut into cabochons.
A jadeite snuff bottle, 1780–1880. It sold for HK$ 1.5 million |  |

A pair of jadeite and diamond ear pendants. Est HK$3,800,000-5,800,000 ($480,000-750,000) | 
A jadeite ring. Est ($3,500,000-4,800,000) |  |

Art-deco jadeite, enamel, gem-set and diamond brooch from Cartier, circa 1927. HK$7m-8m | 
Jadite Bangle.($777,816 - $1,037,088) |  |