Even since ancient times, people are already engrossed with gemstones. Adornments of various forms, jewelries, and sculptures can be made from these stones. Alaskan jade is one such example of a gemstone. It is similar to Chinese jadeite with certain distinctions. Learn what sets it apart and its various properties.
This sort of gemstone is extracted from the lands of Alaska. It is then made as the state stone. It may also be extracted from the mountains of British Columbia, the current biggest producer of such pretty stones. This pretty stone may also be extracted in some parts of California.
The hardness of gemstones is really known. The hardest natural substances in the world are diamonds which are scored ten in a Mohs scale. A Mohs scale is a guide for measuring hardness of a gemstone. Jadeite scores seven and the softer version from Alaska scores 4.5 to 6.5. It is then softer and easier to carve. It is less expensive too than Chinese jadeite.
The mineral composition of the two jades are different. Pyroxene group minerals constitute the jadeite stone. Amphibole group minerals constitute the nephrite version. Chain silicates constitute both varieties but they differ in composition and structure of molecules.
The color of the two varieties are also different. The softer variety has colors in various shades of green and is usually in rich, deep green color. The Chinese jadeite has a lighter green shade and may also come in colors such as white, red, pink, and yellow.
In order to tell the difference between the two, one must consult a professional gemologist. They will examine the stone with scientific tests, microscopes, and spectrographs. They will determine if the stone is of the nephrite or jadeite group.
There are many used for Alaskan jade. It is made into various forms of jewelries and can also be embedded into various objects. This is truly a useful and less expensive form of gemstone that one can use.
This sort of gemstone is extracted from the lands of Alaska. It is then made as the state stone. It may also be extracted from the mountains of British Columbia, the current biggest producer of such pretty stones. This pretty stone may also be extracted in some parts of California.
The hardness of gemstones is really known. The hardest natural substances in the world are diamonds which are scored ten in a Mohs scale. A Mohs scale is a guide for measuring hardness of a gemstone. Jadeite scores seven and the softer version from Alaska scores 4.5 to 6.5. It is then softer and easier to carve. It is less expensive too than Chinese jadeite.
The mineral composition of the two jades are different. Pyroxene group minerals constitute the jadeite stone. Amphibole group minerals constitute the nephrite version. Chain silicates constitute both varieties but they differ in composition and structure of molecules.
The color of the two varieties are also different. The softer variety has colors in various shades of green and is usually in rich, deep green color. The Chinese jadeite has a lighter green shade and may also come in colors such as white, red, pink, and yellow.
In order to tell the difference between the two, one must consult a professional gemologist. They will examine the stone with scientific tests, microscopes, and spectrographs. They will determine if the stone is of the nephrite or jadeite group.
There are many used for Alaskan jade. It is made into various forms of jewelries and can also be embedded into various objects. This is truly a useful and less expensive form of gemstone that one can use.
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