Where Does Jadeite Come From? A Global Deposits Overview

Jadeite may be cherished for its vivid greens and mystical symbolism, but behind its beauty lies a complex geological story spanning millions of years and multiple continents. Understanding where jadeite comes from isn’t just about geography—it’s about tectonic forces, rare environments, and why origin matters so much in today’s gemstone market.

🌋 Born in Subduction Zones

Jadeite is not found everywhere. It forms only under very specific geological conditions—high pressure and low temperature, typically in subduction zones where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another. These conditions allow sodium-rich fluids to react with aluminous rocks, eventually forming jadeite in metamorphic belts.

This makes jadeite one of the rarest gem-quality minerals on Earth. Its formation requires an exquisite balance of pressure, temperature, fluid activity, and geological time.

📍 Major Jadeite-Producing Regions

Today, jadeite is mined in only a few locations globally:

• Myanmar (Burma): The most famous and historically significant source, known for producing top-quality imperial green jadeite with high translucency. Jadeite is found in both primary deposits (within serpentinite bodies) and secondary alluvial deposits near the Uru River.

• Guatemala: Known for its darker, often bluish or gray-green jadeite. Deposits are found along the Motagua Fault Zone, an ancient subduction suture between the Caribbean and North American plates.

• Russia: The Siberian region (especially the western Sayan mountains) produces jadeite with high iron content and darker green hues.

• USA (California): Rare jadeite boulders are found in subduction-related metamorphic belts near Big Sur, often mixed with other serpentine minerals.

• Japan and Kazakhstan: Small-scale occurrences exist but are not typically gem-quality.

🧭 Why Origin Matters

The origin of jadeite affects not just color and clarity, but mineral composition, inclusions, and trace elements—factors crucial for valuation and authentication. In luxury and spiritual markets alike, jadeite from Myanmar often carries higher prestige, while Guatemalan jadeite appeals to collectors who value unique textures and historic symbolism.

In our next post, we’ll explore how jadeite from Myanmar and Guatemala can be scientifically distinguished—helping you recognize the true origin of your gem.