[Jewelry making - Article 00599] - Re: [Orchid] New Colors in Jade?

[Susan]

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    Thanks to the feedback from fellow Orchidians about my jade
    questions.  I did the homework and, as a result, learned that African
    "jade" is actually a form of garnet.  That certainly explains why it
    is so hard. (Some had said jasper, others serpentine.) So, I've moved
    that stone to the garnet category on my web site.  My poor customers
    are going to be so confused:) 

    Responding to the statement that olivine is actually serpentine, I
    think that's incorrect.  No expert here, but my understanding is that
    olivine is basically the same as peridot, with peridot being the
    gemstone variety of olivine.  I've read that olivine can become
    serpentine, but is not actually serpentine until that chemical
    transformation takes place. 

    I'm still trying to figure out what my "olivine jade" really is.
    It's too hard to be serpentine, and I doubt if it is olivine.  I
    think it's just borrowed the name. It very well could be nephrite
    jade. The only difference I can see is that it is more translucent.
    They seem to be the same hardness and color. So, if somebody else has
    some ideas on the subject, let me know. 

Susan
Sun Country Gems
www.suncountrygems.com

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