|
Post by stephan on Nov 23, 2021 0:09:30 GMT -5
I believe it is Nephrite. It's actually a very dark green, not black. Damn. I was hoping it was jade- less trouble. All “black” jade is dark green. Jade color is determined by the balance of iron vs magnesium. Iron makes green; magnesium makes white. There is a total balance of 6 atoms of iron and/or magnesium per “molecule” of jade. Usually this balance varies throughout the stone, leading to a swirled appearance, but sometimes it is homogeneous. When it forms in the upper mantle, jade has the approximate viscosity of toothpaste, which is why it can swirl. I have a theory, that I can’t yet prove, but I’m fairly certain that jade senses fear.
|
|
|
Post by hummingbirdstones on Nov 23, 2021 9:47:39 GMT -5
Damn. I was hoping it was jade- less trouble. All “black” jade is dark green. Jade color is determined by the balance of iron vs magnesium. Iron makes green; magnesium makes white. There is a total balance of 6 atoms of iron and/or magnesium per “molecule” of jade. Usually this balance varies throughout the stone, leading to a swirled appearance, but sometimes it is homogeneous. When it forms in the upper mantle, jade has the approximate viscosity of toothpaste, which is why it can swirl. I have a theory, that I can’t yet prove, but I’m fairly certain that jade senses fear. I wonder if it senses contempt?
|
|
|
Post by Rockoonz on Nov 23, 2021 10:21:22 GMT -5
Jade dealers I have talked to refer to Wyoming material as barely jade or not at all jade, I believe they said too much SiO2 in it, but I could be wrong about that. Out of all the Jade bits I have the Wyoming material is the easiest to work. The only thing different I do with it is a little extra time on the hard 220 wheel and a light touch on the soft wheels. I use cerium after the 600 and examine with my optivisor, if the white powder reveals any tiny scratches remaining I go back to the 600 and try again. If I go to 1200 diamond and compare there is no difference that my eyes can see, even with magnification. When I get my other polishing machines out and set up I will probably switch to a better polish, according to the old polishing charts cerium isn't even on the list for nephrite.
|
|
|
Post by stephan on Nov 23, 2021 10:39:59 GMT -5
Rockoonz it is usually nephrite. It not being "real jade" probably comes from the snobs who only consider jadeite to be "real jade." From the WY Geological Survey: WSGS gems and minerals geologist, Wayne Sutherland, says it appears the designation of jade as the official state gemstone was spurred by both amateur and professional interests beginning in the 1930s and progressing through a jade rush that peaked in the 1960s before slowing in the 1970s. The 39th Wyoming Legislature passed the law, with formal adoption occurring Jan. 25, 1967. The state gemstone is nephrite jade. When found in Wyoming, it is referred to as “Wyoming Jade” due to its high quality and relative abundance in the state. Wyoming Jade is considered to be some of the finest nephrite in the world. Colors can range from white to black, with various shades of green being the most common. Its quality and durability are major factors behind Wyoming Jade’s high reputation. The stone’s moderate hardness combined with great durability makes it relatively easy to saw and carve into delicate yet resilient objects of art and adornment. "No other gemstone is comparable to Wyoming Jade for its beauty, its toughness and the adventure of finding it," says Sutherland. Early accounts of jade in Wyoming are anecdotal. One story involves a lapidary in Portland, Oregon, who in the early 1900s purchased apple-green Wyoming jade from cowboys who had traveled west to spend their winters. As another story goes, a sheepherder working in the Crooks Mountain area in 1931 brought a sizable piece of dark-green stone that he found to Lander. The stone turned out to be nephrite jade, and he sold it to a museum. The tale stirred up interest and inspired locals to hunt for jade. Jade has been found in Wyoming as far west as the Wind River Range and as far east as Guernsey and the Laramie Mountains. To the north, it has been reported in the Wind River Basin and near Thermopolis in the Bighorn Basin. It has been found as far south as Sage Creek Basin near the Sierra Madre. There are more than 50 specimens of jade included in the display at the WSGS varying in size and in shades of green, as well as black and gray. These specimens exhibit some of the diverse characteristics of our state gemstone, such as jade slicks with natural wind polish, and white to cream and red weathering rinds. Other pieces include snowflake jade, jade with quartz inclusions and jade breccia. Additionally, there is a 218-pound apple-green wind-polished slick boulder of Wyoming Jade permanently on display at the WSGS. The boulder was found by Ray and Irene Morgan in the 1940s on Crooks Mountain near Jeffrey City. The University of Wyoming Geological Museum, adjacent to the WSGS building, also has a mini jade exhibit displaying various stages of jade processing (raw jade to final carved products). Additional photos and information about jade deposits, the history of Wyoming Jade and the Wyoming jade rush can be found on the WSGS’ gemstones webpage. Various publications about jade can be downloaded for free from the Survey’s sales site. Currently, Mr. Sutherland is preparing an updated report on jade that will be published by the WSGS at a future date.
|
|
|
Post by knave on Nov 23, 2021 11:36:18 GMT -5
I polished a piece of Wyoming jade without knowing what it was. Finished in the loto and it turned out beautiful.
|
|
|
Post by knave on Nov 23, 2021 12:01:04 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by Starguy on Nov 23, 2021 13:35:53 GMT -5
I think chrome oxide was recommended for jade "back in the day". You could try that, but you might be green as Kermit's ass when you're done... . Dang that’s funny!
|
|
|
Post by Starguy on Nov 24, 2021 2:12:33 GMT -5
Lapidary humor.
|
|