Imperial Jadeite
6.5–7Hardness (Mohs)
NaAlSi₂O₆Chemistry
24Known origins & mines
The emperor's stone: translucent "imperial green" jadeite from Myanmar's Hpakant region in Kachin State is the most valuable gem in Asian markets — top lots exceed diamond prices at Hong Kong auctions. Guatemala's Motagua valley supplies the ancient Maya source.
Known origins & mines
Hpakant Jade Tract · Myanmar
The world's only commercial jadeite source: Uru river valley mega-mines produce boulders up to hundreds of tons. Imperial green "old mine" m…
Motagua Valley Jadeite · Guatemala
The Maya source rediscovered in the 1950s after Olmec and Maya jade mysteries puzzled archaeologists — blue and lilac Guatemalan jadeite now…
Itoigawa Coast Jadeite · Japan
Japan's national stone washed down from ancient serpentinite along the Itoigawa river — Jomon-period beads from here are among humanity's ol…