An ornamental stone, jade is a name applied to two different silicate minerals. Nephrite is a form of the amphibole actinolite (a mineral that also includes a form of asbestos). The second, the mineral jadeite, is a pyroxene. Nephrite has the formula Ca₂(Mg, Fe)₅Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂. Jadeite has the formula NaAlSi₂O₆. The two are quite similar in appearance and it wasn't until 1863 that the two forms of this gemstone were distinguished.

It is an exceptionally tough material, and was first used for things such as axe heads, knives, and weapons. Later, as other materials could replace jade as a weapons material, it became appreciated for its beauty. Jade has a Mohs hardness of between 6.5 and 7.0 ^*.

Nephrite can be found in a creamy white form as well as a green color, while jadeite shows more color variation. Of the two, jadeite is rarer, and is the form of jade mostly used in Central America. Nephrite jade was used mostly in China, Myanmar and New Zealand.

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@noobde Please tell me if Kitana, Mileena, and my most favorite, Jade, are going to be in MK9 or not?
hottest1ever (Harvey Cajucom) Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:05:22 -0000
@noobde Please tell me if Kitana, Mileena, and my most favorite, Jade, are going to be in MK9 or not?

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