Jadeite is found in rocks that formed under higher pressure than nephrite. Most known deposits of jadeite occur along, or near faults in serpentinites. Examples of this type of deposit are found in Myanmar, New Zealand, Canada, Taiwan, Guyana, Surinam, southern Europe, Russia and China.

Where is jadeite found in the US?

Jade, specifically nephrite (cryptocrystalline actinolite), is the state gem of Alaska and Wyoming. Jadeite, the other jade mineral, is not found in useful quantities in the United States.

Where can I find jadeite?

The most important source is the large deposit near Tawmaw, Myanmar (Burma). Jadeite has also been found near Omi and Kotaki, Japan; in the Motagua River valley of Guatemala; in San Benito county, Calif.; Kazakhstan; and the Ural Mountains, Russia.