Jadeitite

Jadeitite is a rare metamorphic rock found in blueschist grade metamorphic terrains. It is found in isolated metasomatically altered bodies within serpentinite associated with subduction zone environments. Jadeitite consists almost entirely of jadeite pyroxene and is typically mined as a source of the ornamental rock or gemstone, jade. Occurrences include Myanmar, Guatemala, Japan, Kazakhstan and in the Coast Ranges of western North America.

References

• Sorensen, et. al., The origin of jadeitite-forming subduction-zone fluids: CL-guided SIMS oxygen-isotope and trace-element evidence, American Mineralogist, Volume 91, pages 979–996, 2006
• Sorensen, S. S., GEOCHEMISTRY OF A JADEITITE-SERPENTINITE CONTACT, GUATEMALA, GSA 2005 Salt Lake City Annual Meeting (Abstract)
• Guatemala's Olmec Jade, Geotimes, Aug. 2002