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Jadeite Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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jadeite

[ˈdʒeɪ.daɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

gemstone, mineral

Jadeite is a type of jade, a precious stone that is typically green but can also appear in other colors, such as white, yellow, and lavender. It is one of the two primary minerals that are used to create jade, the other being nephrite. Jadeite is more valuable and rarer than nephrite and is primarily found in Myanmar (Burma). Often used in jewelry and decorative items, jadeite is prized for its beauty and toughness, making it a favored choice among artisans and collectors alike. Its value can be significantly affected by its color, clarity, and texture.

Synonyms

gemstone, greenstone, jade.

Examples of usage

  • The antique bracelet is made of jadeite.
  • She wore a stunning jadeite pendant to the gala.
  • Jadeite carvings are highly sought after by collectors.
  • The ring features a beautiful piece of jadeite.
  • He inherited a jadeite necklace from his grandmother.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In Chinese culture, jade is associated with purity and moral integrity, often used in art and ornamentation to symbolize good luck.
  • Mesoamerican civilizations, such as the Maya and Aztecs, valued jadeite highly, often using it in ceremonial items and burial artifacts.

Geology

  • Jadeite is one of the two minerals that are called jade; the other is nephrite, and they have different chemical compositions.
  • Formed under high-pressure conditions, jadeite is mostly found in metamorphic rock environments, often linked to tectonic plate boundaries.

Market Value

  • High-quality jadeite can be incredibly expensive, sometimes selling for thousands of dollars per carat, particularly in intense green shades.
  • The demand for jadeite often fluctuates based on trends in jewelry and fashion, making it a dynamic market.

Color Variations

  • While green is the most popular color for jadeite, it can also be found in shades of white, lavender, yellow, and black.
  • The color of jadeite is influenced by its iron and chromium content, creating a spectrum that attracts collectors and enthusiasts.

Origin of 'jadeite'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'jadeite' comes from the Spanish 'piedra de ijada,' meaning 'stone of the flank,' originally because it was believed to cure colic.
  • Jadeite is a type of jade, which has been highly valued in various cultures for centuries, particularly in China.

The word 'jadeite' originates from the Spanish term 'piedra de ijada', which means 'stone of the flank', referring to the stone's supposed ability to cure ailments related to the kidneys and flank pain. Initially, the term 'jade' was used for both nephrite and jadeite, but as jadeite was recognized as a distinct mineral, the name 'jadeite' was introduced in the late 19th century. This mineral is part of the pyroxene group, and its identification as separate from nephrite was made possible through advancements in gemological testing. The demand for jadeite increased significantly in the early 20th century, particularly in Chinese culture, where it is considered a highly auspicious stone. Today, jadeite remains a symbol of status and wealth, continuing to fascinate collectors and jewelers around the world.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,162, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.