jadeite

American  

[jey-dahyt] / ˈdʒeɪ daɪt /

noun

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

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jadeite British  

/ ˈdʒeɪdaɪt /

noun

1. 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

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jadeite Scientific  

/ jād′īt′ /

1. 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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Etymology

Origin of jadeite

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

Compare meaning

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

• jadeite vs. nephrite

Example Sentences

Jadeite is a sodium aluminum silicate and nephrite, a calcium magnesium silicate.

From A Text-Book of Precious Stones for Jewelers and the Gem-Loving Public by Wade, Frank Bertram

Jadeite is designated as chal-chiuitl and is associated with Chalchiuitlycue, the mother-goddess.

From The Fundamental Principles of Old and New World Civilizations by Nuttall, Zelia