Min. [Named 1863; f. JADE sb.2 + -ITE.] One of the two minerals commonly included under the name of JADE (q.v.), of which it is the hardest and most highly prized variety.
1865. Lubbock, Preh. Times, iv. (1878), 82.
1868. [see JADE sb.2 1].
1875. Ure’s Dict. Arts, III. 6. Jadeite is a mineral closely resembling true nephrite in external characters,… it is essentially a silicate of alumina and soda. Ibid., 7. In prehistoric times, jade and jadeite were used for amulets and ornaments.
