The name jadeite derives from the Spanish words "piedra de ijada" which means "side stone". The Latin version of the name, lapis nephriticus, is the origin of the term nephrite, which is also a variety of jade. The color of jadeite commonly ranges from white to light apple green to deep jade green, but it can also be blue-green, pink, lavender, and a multitude of other rare colors. Color is largely determined by the presence of trace elements such as chromium and iron. Over 180 axes have been found in the British Isles whose blades were made with jadeitite mined in northern Italy in the Neolithic era. Due to the difficulty of working this material, it is believed that all ax heads of this type found were not intended for their own use but represented some form of bargaining chip.
Dimensions
Height (cm): 2-3
Depth (cm): 1.5-2
Width (cm): 1.5-2.5
Weight (g): 10-20
Property
Chemical formula: NaAlSi2O6 or Na (Al, Fe3 +) Si2O
Mohs scale: 6.5 - 7
Relative density: 3.24 to 3.43
Crystalline System: Monoclinic