摘要
Jadeite jade is sometimes referred to as hard jade and dominates the marketplace for gemmaterial.However,its usage rivals soft jade,or nephrite,in early cultures.Recent advances in the studyof jadeite jade,or jadeitite,substantiates an origin in subduction channels through both hydrothermalvein crystallization and metasomatism.The hypotheses of origin are reviewed and studied occurrencesenumerated,with citations,and a synopsis of the main jade varieties found among these deposits isprovided.Finally,guidelines for jadeite jade exploration,based on lithological association and the tectonicframework,are suggested.